Do women racing drivers have a grand prix in them?

Question

Or aren't they good enough?

Answer 1

oh yes, but they are not equipped to deal with the politicking within formula 1

women share more information and give off signals, i think thats why traditionally of the three or four women that have made it they have been nearer 40, you are also more developed then and have a thicker skin as its a male environment and teams in the past that have run women drivers have been struggling in one way or another - in past there have not been the sponsors willing to take them (would johnnie walker whisky want to give the impression to asian men that it encourages women to drink, no - so mclarens out, there are lots of factors like this)

i think that women do drive differently, they have a different sense of 'spatial awareness' and also in current environment sponsors and teams who are really into PR speak are worried about a woman having an 'off day' (as is ever their prerogative)

thats before u get into the fact that their off track antics would be scrutinised on a very unique level, F1 could be banned in some of its emerging markets if a woman was on the podium or not wearing a veil, let alone what she was getting up to in her private life??

so there is some way to go yet before a woman will be given a 'chance' to compete in a grand prix

Answer 2

Yes there's been some over the years, 3 of which I can think of off top of my head. Giovanni Amati was the last for the dying Brabham (replaced by a certain Damon Hill). Before that Maria Teresa Filippi, who made three starts in 1958 and '59, and Maria Grazia ("Lella") Lombardi. Lombardi had a slightly more extensive career, starting 12 times during the 1974-'76 season, gaining a grand total of.... ½ a point lol.
Formula One has unfortunately always been the chauvinistic sport, Men are racers and women wear white to match the appliances in the kitchen. Personally I think women like Katherine Legge should come over here, to a decent team, and show the Alonso's & Raikkonen's the way to do it properly! Rumour has it Ferrari may be sniffing around her, if you excuse the expression ;)

Answer 3

There was an italian girl in 1994 who went to a race weekend but did not actually qualify for the grand prix

Answer 4

There are many essex girl drivers round here who, judging by the apes in the passenger seat, frequently have a grand prix in them.

Reminds me of the number plate I saw in Nottingham on an escort convertible; UPR 1X.

Answer 5

Strange wording.... but I'm not too sure. It may look easy, but there are huge strains on the body,eespecially the neck muscles. But I see no reason why not, with the correct training.

Danica Patrick and Katherine Legge seem to be doing ok in single seaters in the US.

Answer 6

danica patrick!! bumbled round in formula fords and look at her now, racing in IRL in the states!

and susie racing in DTM, mixing it with plenty ex-F1 drivers

Answer 7

Yes, sure. All depends on opportunities.

Answer 8

I'd lap them!

Answer 9

YEP