After the successful first year of W Series, David Coulthard now wants to see a female driver good enough to take on the best in Formula 1.
Williams development driver Jamie Chadwick was recently crowned as the first champion at Brands Hatch, beating former Red Bull junior Beitske Visser by 10 points in the final standings.
With the series having raised attention on female racing drivers looking to move up the motorsport ladder, Coulthard believes there is scope for some to reach the top.
“[In the W Series] we’ve really put a big spotlight on the female talent that’s out there right now, and I think there are a few of the competitors who are capable of driving in Formula 1,” the 13-time Grand Prix winner told Formula1.com.
However, he would note: “Now the question is, is being capable enough, or are you looking for a Lewis [Hamilton], a Max [Verstappen], a Charles [Leclerc]?
“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.”
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Coulthard has been a big advocate for the W Series since its inception and revealed why he was so keen to see more female drivers in the higher ranks of motorsport.
“I personally, with W Series, want to bring more women into motorsport,” he said.
“My sister raced, she was very good but didn’t 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 Formula 1.
“If they’re merely good – and good is [still] good! – then they’ll be in touring cars, sportscars and many other championships.”
F1 has not seen a female racer since 1992 although Susie Wolff was the last to take part in a race weekend, completing practice sessions with Williams in 2015.
As of right now, the highest-profile female driver is Tatiana Calderon in Formula 2, who is also part of the Sauber development program.
