W Series advisory board chairman David Coulthard believes there are female racers capable of racing in F1, but the Scot says that only those with the ability to match the likes of Lewis Hamilton or Max Verstappen should be promoted to the big time.
Gaining access to the pinnacle of motorsport is an arduous task for any driver, let alone for an aspiring female racer looking to break the mold while fighting prejudice.
Since the inception of the F1 world championship in 1950, only five women have tried to qualify for a Grand Prix, with only two ever gracing the grid: Maria Teresa de Filippis in the late 50s and Lella Lombardi in the 70s.
And the later remains to this day the only female racer to have finished in the points, the Italian achieving that feat at the Spanish Grand Prix in 1975.
Coulthard is a big believer in the all-female W Series, which aims to promote girl power and put a woman back on the F1 grid.
But the Scot insists that only someone perceived as being capable of taking on the sport's very best should be given an opportunity to race at the highest level.
"We’ve really put a big spotlight on the female talent that’s out there right now, and I think there’s a few of the competitors who are capable of driving in Formula 1," said the 13-time Grand Prix winner, answering questions recently in an F1 Fan Voice Q&A.
"Is being capable enough, or are you looking for a Lewis, a Max, a Charles?
"You’re looking for the female equivalent of them, because unless you’re as good as a Lewis, a Max, a Charles etc. you’re not going to beat them."
Coulthard admits however that female talent falling short of that prerequisite can still flourish and prosper in other areas of motor sport.
"With W-Series, I personally want to bring more women into motorsport," added the former Williams and McLaren driver.
"My sister raced, and she was very good but did not get the support because my family were supporting me, and I regret that.
"So I want to be part of this to help support female talent and bring more women into motorsport. If they’re good enough, they’ll go to F1.
"If they’re merely good - and good is [very] good - then they will be in touring cars, sports cars and many other championships."
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