Verstappen criticises F1 Academy progress: 'There's no next step'

Max Verstappen has expressed his opinion on the all-female racing series the F1 Academy.

The F1 Academy was created in 2023 to give female racing drivers’ the opportunity to develop their skills and gain experience in single seaters.

READ MORE: Ecclestone's wife publicly backs under pressure FIA president

As of 2024 the series will support F1 at racetracks across the world, with French driver Doriane Pin raking the first race win in Saudi Arabia.

The series is headed by former Williams development driver Susie Wolff, aiming to help women progress in motorsport and produce the next female F1 star.

Verstappen discusses women in motorsport

Max Verstappen has also discussed the F1 Academy and the difficulties that face women in motorsport in an interview with De Limburger.

“There are girls, but much fewer than boys. For example, our team now only has boys riding,” he said.

“But if there is a fast girl among us, then of course we want her too. That's just how it is in the real world, isn't it?

“Team bosses don't look at whether someone is a boy or a girl. It's about how fast they are.

“It is good that Formula 1 now pays extra attention to women in motorsport with the F1 Academy, although I have doubts about how they approach it.

“The cars they drive are way too slow. If you ever want to get them into Formula 1, it really has to go to a higher level.

READ MORE: How an F1 team's disastrous Japanese GP could hurt the rest of their seaso

“It's nice and nice that girls are now sponsored by Formula 1 teams, but what do we actually help them with?

“There is no next step for them now. For example, the gap to a Formula 4 car is already too big.”

READ MORE: Hamilton WALKS AWAY from interview after Ferrari question

Related

More F1 news

Full News Feed

Yuki Tsunoda U-turn after Red Bull return confirmed

• 55 minutes ago

Honda make Red Bull F1 return with confirmed test

• 2 hours ago

Will Wolff replace Russell with Verstappen? F1 boss questions decision

• Yesterday 23:55

F1 star Lando Norris' girlfriend Magui Corceiro on 'fake relationship' claim

• Yesterday 20:56

F1 star 'got lucky' after losing brake pedal at Barcelona GP

• Yesterday 18:57

George Russell FIA plea after crushing penalty decision: 'Whole weekend ruined'

• Yesterday 17:00