I hate it, HATE IT, when it comes to sexism in the motorsport industry. Women have just as right as men when it comes to not only racing, but working behind the scenes as well. And, with the introduction of the new "W Series," my passion for this issue becomes bigger. Women WANT to race with the big guys. We do not need a separate championship such as this so-called "W-Series." However, although I will never agree with it, I will sit back and let that one play out.
A very small number of women have officially taken part in a Formula One Grand Prix weekend. And, an even smaller number have ever scored points. In fact, only women has ever done that, and it was only half a point if that.
I'm not here to talk about why there are so little women in motorsport and why they've had very little impact. Tha'ts here: https://bronnypreece.wixsite.com/brontalksmotorsport/the-blog/where-are-all-the-ladies
For Blogmas Day 7, I have picked my top 5 woman drivers. The point of this is that these are the ladies that I think will make a positive impact on motorsport with their skills and attitudes in the near future.
1. Tatiana Calderon
There was no doubt that Tata would be on the list. The 25 year old Colombian is currently the only female associated with a Formula One team; Sauber. She is currently the Swiss team's test driver.
Unfortunately, Calderon has had a mediocre time in the past year, racing in GP3, where she finished 16th overall. However, numerous point finishes made her the first female to score more than once in a GP3 race. A stat she can be proud of.
With a recent test in both a Formula One and Formula Two car, Calderon's future looks promising. I, for one, hope to see her contesting Formula Two in 2019. Could she be our first Formula One driver for some time?
2. Sophia Floersch
Sophia has been relatively unknown until late. A traumatic crash at the 2018 Macau GP saw the teen walk away with, luckily, only very minor injuries.
My heart aches for Floersch though. Although her accident has brought her talent to light, it could not have come at a worse time. The German 18 year old was one of several women lined up to test a Formula E car at the upcoming tests in Ad Diriyah. Unfortunately, Sophia will not be taking part but the news of a good handful of ladies getting a shot at this is wonderful news for advocates like myself.
Hopefully, Sophia can spend the winter break relaxing and recovering from the recent bang and can come back in the near future to show everyone who is boss in this motorsport world.
3. Natalie Decker
Natalie Decker. A name not too familiar in European motorsport, but in America, this lady is one to watch. At 21 years old, Decker currently races part time in NASCAR Gander Outdoor Truck Series, part time in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East and part time in the ARCA Racing Series.
I did not know of Decker until I researched some female racers. I watched a few of her races and now I can see why she constantly appears in the points, finishing 7th overall in the most recent ARCA series.
As mentioned before, I am against the "W Series," but Decker has been shortlisted as one of many drivers who could potentially take part. I hope she gets chosen to compete. It will be a good way for her to get her foot in the door in European motorsport and make a name for herself over here. Until, I look forward to her throwing those stock cars around the tracks!
4. Jamie Chadwick
Another driver aiming for the "W Series," Jamie Chadwick. If you don't know this name, wake up. The first female and the youngest person to ever win the British GT Championship and the first woman to win a British Formula 3 race, Chadwick is really making dents in traditional motoracing.
That's not all of Chadwick's feats. She has competed in several 24hour races and a number of Ginetta Junior races and championship. This girl cannot be stopped.
You cannot help but admire the racing skill and technique Chadwick possesses. She makes it look easy. I, for one, want to see this lady in Formula One someday.
5. Pippa Mann
Another racer who is well known over in the states, British born; Pippa Mann. A popular Indy Car driver, Mann started her motorsport career like many racers before and after her; Formula Renault. Although Mann is yet to win any championships, I admire her greatly.
Like myself, she is a big advocate for females in motorsport and her skill and experience could really be a positive and a boost to a Formula One team.
I admire how she is not afraid to say how she feels when it comes to females in motorsport. Pippa should be a women in motorsport ambassador rather than Carmen Jorda who is there for money.
So, that's my top 5 female racers. This was difficult to discuss. There are so many ladies to choose from.
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