Female aspirations in STEM fields are gaining traction, with the Formula 1 Academy aiming to revolutionize the landscape
In a groundbreaking move, the Formula 1 world welcomed the launch of the F1 Academy in 2023 - a women-only racing series with a mission to empower female career growth and promote pathways for everyone across STEM fields.
As the F1 Academy's first technology partner, TeamViewer has shown its passion for opening up the sport and fostering gender equality in the workplace. This commitment is reflected in Esmee Kosterman's race number, which references findings from TeamViewer's Women in Sport Tech report, stating that 86% of women believe visible female leaders are crucial for achieving gender equality.
The F1 Academy has garnered support from Formula 1 as an organization and the F1 teams, with team principals and drivers often joining them on the grid. This collaboration has been instrumental in the series' success and its aim to emulate the success of women's sports leagues like the WSL and WNBA.
Kosterman, a driver in the F1 Academy, recently made headlines with an impressive 7th-place finish at the Zaandvoort race. Her car was adorned with a special livery, featuring images of over 200 women, role models who have inspired women across a range of industries.
The F1 Academy's managing director, Fink, shares Kosterman's passion and ambition. Fink, who worked her way up from waitressing in the Formula 1 Paddock Club as a student, emphasizes the importance of seizing opportunities.
The series has also attracted a wide range of partners, including TeamViewer and Red Bull. The latter was responsible for sponsoring the Wild Card entry at the Dutch Grand Prix, a testament to their ongoing commitment to motorsport and STEM.
The F1 Academy offers 18 drivers the chance to fight for a championship across various circuits. At race weekends, fans can visit the open paddock and attend autograph sessions with drivers. Fink acknowledges that while the series has a long way to go, as Formula 1 is predominantly focused on male drivers and 75 years old, she remains optimistic about the future.
The F1 Academy TV series has played a significant role in opening up the sport to a new audience, much like the "Netflix effect." Fink believes that connecting with fans is crucial and there's more to be done. The series runs the Discover your Drive programme, bringing local students to speak to key players in the sport about opportunities in motorsport and STEM.
Fink expresses the F1 Academy's ambition for the future, aiming to cultivate the impression that it's not just a male sport. The F1 Academy seeks to establish itself as a league that offers everyone a fair base to build on, fostering a more inclusive and diverse motorsport landscape.
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