David Coulthard: There are females capable of competing in F1

W Series

Coulthard: There are females capable of competing in F1

The W Series is flying.

Martin Macdonald

Wednesday 21 August 2019 18:30

David Coulthard believes there are females competing in the current W Series who are capable of making the switch to Formula 1, but thinks anyone who does will need to be able to match the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen.

The inagural W Series championship took place in 2019 across six races with 20 competitors, with Britain’s Jamie Chadwick becoming the first ever champion after gaining enough points at the final race at Brands Hatch.

Coulthard, who is a commentator on the series, has seen enough to think some of the drivers are good enough for F1.

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“[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 Brit told the official F1 website.

“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.”

Coulthard went on to reveal a personal reason as to why he has thrown support behind female drivers in 2019 - his sister was previously a driver who did not receive as much backing.

“I personally, with W Series, want to bring more women into motorsport,” he added.

“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 Formula1.

“If they’re merely good – and good is [still] good! – then they’ll be in touring cars, sportscars and many other championships.”

The last female to feature in a F1 weekend was Susie Wolff at Silverstone in 2015, who drove in a free practice session for Williams.