David Coulthard is certain: there will be a woman in Formula 1 again. Many critics doubt whether a female driver can physically compete against male drivers in the premier class. However, Coulthard believes there is a relatively simple solution: training.
With the introduction of the W Series (in 2019) and F1 Academy (in 2023), Formula 1 is trying to create a clearer path for female drivers to the premier class. Many critics, however, still do not see it happening that a woman can physically compete against the men in Formula 1. Nonsense, says David Coulthard. According to the Scot, it’s only a matter of time before a woman reaches the racing class.
“Of course it will happen. Without a doubt,” the former driver tells the Daily Mail. “It’s nonsense that women wouldn’t be able to handle it. Anyone who doesn’t train doesn’t have what it takes to perform in motorsport. Whether you’re a man or a woman.”
Training
Coulthard believes that there is one thing that is truly crucial if a female driver wants to reach Formula 1: training. To his great surprise, this has not yet sunk in for every junior driver. “One of the things I saw in the W Series was that some drivers simply were not fit enough. I looked at them and said, ‘What’s your excuse for not training? You need to present yourself as a serious driver, and that means training like an athlete’.”
“That’s where the problem lies. There’s no physical reason why they can’t do it,” continues the former Red Bull driver. “We know what it takes for a car driver to be physically strong enough and all the data shows that women can easily deliver those physical performances as well.” Coulthard believes that it is therefore only a matter of time before there is another female driver in Formula 1.
