In 2023, the world of motorsport took a huge stride towards better female inclusivity in racing with the introduction of F1 Academy.
The all-female series runs on the Formula 1 support bill, with all 10 of the current F1 teams supporting a driver in the championship as the race Formula 4 spec machinery.
F1 Academy was brought in as the replacement for the W Series, after the all-female championship was cancelled and eventually folded in 2022 after running three seasons.
As the F1 Academy nears the end of its second season, the series provides a great opportunity for female racers to prove their worth with well-established teams supporting them, which will give them the tools to progress further in their careers.
But while that progression into higher categories still remains an issue, one series is looking to change that later next month.
Jon Jackson thinks the all-female Formula E test in Valencia ‘feels more genuine’ than F1 Academy
The category in question is Formula E, which in November, will be running an all-female test at Valencia in the brand new Gen3 Evo machinery.
All 11 FE teams will field two drivers to run in the test in what is only the second of its kind – the first being run back in 2018 in Diriyah in Saudi Arabia.
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The outing will give these 22 female drivers the chance to test more modern cars, but also an opportunity to showcase their skills to the teams and potentially put their foot in the door for a future seat.
Speaking on the On Track Podcast by talkSPORT, Jon Jackson explained that he thinks that this test in FE for female drivers ‘feels more genuine’ than F1 Academy, as they are up close with the teams and rest of the paddock.
“For me, it’s really, really good to see what Formula E are doing not just on the track, as I mention with the other initiatives that I’ve seen over the last two seasons travelling with them and working with them, with girls on track
“And the amount of people that I’ve met, that I’ve done sessions with and we did football thing in Berlin which was the main thing and there were some of the girls there.
“The fact that they could get so close to mechanics and people involved in the team in the offices, and not just meeting drivers and getting photos and stuff. It feels like it’s more genuine.”
Who is participating in the test at Valencia?
Not all of the 22 drivers have been confirmed for the test yet, but there are some exciting names to look out for in Valencia.
Andretti will run current F1 Academy drivers Chloe Chambers and Nerea Marti, while 2023 champion Marta Garcia will drive with Porsche alongside Gabriela Jilkova.
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McLaren will run Ella Lloyd and Bianca Bustamante after the former signed with the team’s driver academy and will compete in F1 Academy next year. Ahead of the Valencia test, Lloyd considers Formula E to be a great option for the future.
Jaguar are expected to bring Jamie Chadwick to the test in Valencia, with the 26-year-old having previously tested FE machinery with the team back in 2020.