Why F1 Academy Matter’s So Much

Sometimes, you need to see it to believe it. That’s just how the world works. Especially when you grow up in a space where something feels so out of reach, so far removed from your everyday life that it barely seems real. Motorsport has always been one of those things. Not because women aren’t capable but because they were never given the same access, the same chances, the same support.

Most male drivers start young. They have go-karts by the time they’re five. They have families who understand the sport, sponsors willing to invest in their potential, and role models to look up to. Legends like Ayrton Senna, and Lewis Hamilton have inspired generations of boys to dream big. Their stories have been told over and over again.

But what about the girls? Who did they see? Who could they look up to?

That’s the problem. The representation was missing.

For a long time, there have only been a handful of women in motorsport. Most people can’t even name one. The last woman to compete in Formula 1 was Lella Lombardi, and that was back in 1976. Since then, only five women have ever even entered an Formula 1 Grand Prix. Just five. In nearly 80 years of the sport.

That’s why F1 Academy matters so much.

And it’s being led by someone who truly gets it: Susie Wolff. She’s no longer introduced as “Toto Wolff’s Wife.” She’s now the Managing Director of F1 Academy, and she’s working hard to make sure that girls around the world don’t feel like outsiders anymore.

Sussie Wolff with F1 Academy

Since F1 Academy launched in 2023, there’s been a real shift. Girls are getting into karting, looking at motorsport as a real career, or even just enjoying the sport as fans without feeling like outsiders. The UK’s “Discover Your Drive” programme, backed by F1 Academy, saw a 400% rise in female participation in just a year.

And it’s not just happening on the track. Off the track too, things are changing. The Girls on Track UK initiative is bringing women into motorsport through business, engineering, media, and operations. They visit schools, hold events, introduce girls to female ambassadors working in the industry and they’re growing. In 2024, 1,395 girls took part in community events alone, and the wider network now has over 10,000 members.

Looking at 2025, the F1 Academy grid has gotten bigger. Eighteen drivers competing new teams are joining, and with every race, the story keeps growing.

F1 Academy girls

For someone like me, coming from India where motorsport isn’t mainstream and women in motorsport are almost unheard of, this feels massive. But now, I have something to show people. I can say, “Look this is real. This is happening. And women are out there racing around the world.” That changes everything.

Today, 43% of UK viewers of Drive to Survive are women. In 2019, women made up just 20% of Grand Prix attendees. In just four years, that number has grown to almost a third. That’s massive progress.

So, is F1 Academy worth it?

Absolutely.

Not just because it’s nice to see women race, but because it’s necessary. Because representation matters. Because every little girl who dreams of being in motorsport shouldn’t have to wonder if it’s even allowed.

It’s worth every bit of investment, support, and attention. Because when you give women a real chance, they show up. They perform. They inspire.

Here’s to more women racing. Here’s to more little women watching, and whispering, “I want to do that too.” Here’s to a sport that finally makes room for everyone!

Pratiksha Thorvat Content Writer Box Box Club

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