Carey aiming to 'emphasize opportunities' in F1 for female racers

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In a bid to highlight F1's global accessibility, the sport will highlight opportunities on and off the track for for women in F1 in the future says F1 CEO Chase Carey.

Speaking on Tuesday at the International Auto Show in Geneva, Carey outlined The Formula One Group's strategic priorities for 2019.

Carey underlined the need for F1 to widen the recognition of its hybrid technology and to make the championship "inviting to all".

Alfa Romeo holds on to Tatiana Calderon as F1 reserve

"The first is to build not just on our technological leadership but the incredible achievements in efficiency and sustainability for our cars and hybrid engines, said Carey.

"We’ll continue to invest in opportunities to further reduce carbon emissions and other initiatives to be at the forefront of road-relevant technology.

"Second, we want to continue to emphasise that Formula 1 is a sport for everyone.

"That means continuing to emphasise opportunities for females on and off the track and continue to expand as a global sport in every part of the world."

Carey alluded to the achievement of 25-year-old Colombian driver Tatiana Calderon who will be racing in this year's FIA Formula 2 Championship and was recently confirmed as an Alfa Romeo development driver for 2019, a potential first step towards putting a woman back on the grid for the first time since 1976.

"We want to be a sport that continues to exude mystique and glamour, yet one that at the same time is open inviting to all."

The American executive at the helm of Grand Prix racing also underscored F1's growth in terms of crowd figures, global audiences and presence on social media.

"We'll continue to upgrade our traditional and digital offerings in new and compelling ways, new camera angles and graphics, and much more," Carey added.

"We'll continue to elevate the sport beyond the race calendar.

"Beyond next year we look forward to continuing to work with the FIA to introduce more significant changes on the track, to improve competition and action, to bringing Formula 1 to new an exciting place like Hanoi in Vietnam, long-term initiatives like the growth of our Formula 1 over-the-top TV platform, and much more."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.