Pierre Gasly gives his verdict on the inclusion of female F1 drivers in the future, claims there is a ‘lot of effort’ from Alpine towards the goal

Alpine have recently launched the 'Rac(H)er' programme to promote gender diversity in motorsport.

Pierre Gasly gives his verdict on the inclusion of female F1 drivers in the future, claims there is a ‘lot of effort’ from Alpine towards the goal

Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon (Via IMAGO)

Despite no explicit “men-only” restrictions in Formula 1, the sport remains male-dominated. Notwithstanding, the sport has seen a significant absence of female drivers, with the last, Lella Lombardi, participating back in 1976. However, Recent years have seen a renewed push for gender diversity in motorsports via the W Series and F1 Academy. Pierre Gasly, in light of these efforts, shared his verdict on the potential inclusion of a female driver in Formula 1’s future.

The F1 Academy, led by Susie Wolff, is pioneering crucial initiatives to address gender imbalances. One notable stride is the establishment of an all-female driver category, featuring 15 drivers across five teams, set to compete in 21 races at various F1 tracks. Furthermore, Formula 1’s commitment to financially support 15 women in this endeavor signals a concerted effort to dismantle barriers and promote inclusivity within the sport. The F1 Academy garners consistent backing from seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton, a constant advocate for inclusivity and diversity.

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Speaking to RaceFans.net, Gasly, sharing his views on the matter, stated, “I would not be surprised.” Gasly’s optimism stems from the tangible efforts within the organization and his team to actively support women in motorsports. He emphasized;

There is a lot of effort put in place from the organization, from our team in supporting women in our sports category.

Crucially, Gasly expressed confidence in the potential for a female driver to break through the ranks of the top-tier drivers. In his words;

I’m sure if one woman really shows that she’s got the speed and talents to be part of the 20 best drivers in the world, I’m sure she’ll be given an opportunity.

Alpine renews Abbi Pulling for 2024 F1 Academy driver representation

Alpine is set to continue its collaboration with promising driver Abbi Pulling for the upcoming 2024 F1 Academy season, where she will represent the team alongside Rodin Carlin. The British driver, heading into her second consecutive F1 Academy season, had an impressive track record, where she secured seven podiums, two pole positions, and four fastest laps, ultimately finishing fifth in the standings.

Abbi Pulling on her final podium of the F1 Academy season
Abbi Pulling on her final podium of the F1 Academy season (Credits: Alpine)

As a seasoned member of the Alpine Academy, Pulling expressed her gratitude, stating, “I am very grateful to be coming back for another year as an Alpine Academy driver.” She highlighted the honor of being entrusted as the BWT Alpine F1 Team’s driver selection for the upcoming F1 Academy season, marking her third consecutive season in the team’s driver development program.

Pulling, who joined the Alpine Racing family in 2022 as part of the Alpine Affiliate program, will receive continued support as an Alpine Academy driver. The team aims to provide her with valuable assistance from the program’s dedicated staff and guidance from the extensive network of the Alpine F1 Team. This announcement reaffirms Alpine’s commitment to fostering talent and diversity in motorsport through initiatives like the Rac(H)er program.

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