As motorsport fans you've probably all been well aware about the question mark looming over the future of the W Series. From it's abrupt end to the 2022 season, to the introduction of the second all-female series; F1 Academy; the chances of W Series returning for 2023 were looking incredibly slim. Then, on 15th June 2023, the series entered administration, all but confirming the outcome we knew was coming. But despite this, did the concept of an all-female series work? Was it a success?
It's fair to say that W Series did in fact open doors to young female talent that may have otherwise not have had the opportunity to graduate from karts to single seaters. That in itself is an achievement. But, of course, like a lot things, people had their reservations about the series at first, with the biggest concern being segregation from racing against male drivers. In fact, a number of female racers who have already established a career in motorsport, were very vocal about this. However, as time went by and the inaugural season was underway, many who had these opinions retracted them, praising the promotion women in motorsport was finally receiving.
Surprisingly, despite having over 30 drivers contest in the series from 2019 to 2022, as well as a decent percentage of viewing figures from around the world, the W Series was forced to end it's final season in 2022 early as a result of financial issues. And, although the series aspired to return in 2023, it didn't happen and instead fell into administration. It wasn't the end of an all-female series, however. Formula One, with hopes of creating a smoother transition for female drivers graduating to single seaters, founded their own series - F1 Academy, which ironically came to light during the "demise" of the W Series. But this in itself tells us that the idea of an all-female series is helping improve the perception of females in motorsport, thus creating the possibility of a more equal future for both genders in the sport.
As for the drivers that have competed in the W Series, more opportunities have since come their way. For starters, the likes of Jamie Chadwick, Abbi Pulling and Jessica Hawkins have all partnered with Formula One teams. Chadwick has also been given opportunities over in the USA in Indy NXT and Hawkins in the UK with BTCC. A number of other drivers have taken part in the World Endurance Championship and have appeared at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. A further few have swapped to the F1 Academy to further open doors. In short, there are more female racing drivers than ever before appearing in series all across the globe and this could very well be the effect the W Series is having on motorsport and again, creating a more equal opportunity.
It should be noted that not all female drivers have originated from the all-female series and have made careers for themselves over the years. Because of this, people could potentially argue the fact that the opportunities have always been there. But, it's pretty obvious that the W Series have improved these said opportunities. You just need to look at the ratio of female drivers to male compared to a few years back.
A lot of people seem to be under the impression that these all-female series are stepping stones straight into F1 - the pinnacle of motorsport, and because we are still far off a female racer in F1, the same people perceive the W Series as a failure, especially with it's financial issues. But, the answer is, it's anything but. The point of this article is that W Series has created a whole new world for female racing drivers and has been a raving success in that sense. And, that's coming from me. Someone who was against the idea of an all-female series at first.
To figure out the success the series has had, all you need to do is listen to it's drivers. Alice Powell, a W Series driver, put this whole article into one paragraph.
“At the end of the day, W Series got me out racing again, whether you agreed with the championship or not. W Series DID NOT fail. It inspired and created opportunities not just for its drivers, but for many young female racing fans too." - Alice Powell
There is no better way of putting it.
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