Menu
Leagues and Governing Bodies

Williams Driver Wolff Shoots Down Ecclestone's Proposed All-Women Series

F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone was expected to attempt to "build on the feel-good atmosphere" at Sunday's Malaysian Grand Prix by "discussing proposals for an all-women world championship with the teams," according to Daniel Johnson of the London TELEGRAPH. Ecclestone suggested the likes of Williams driver Susie Wolff "compete in the special series on Sunday mornings before the main race." Ecclestone: "I thought it would be a good idea to give them a showcase. For some reason, women are not coming through -- and not because we don't want them. Of course we do, because they would attract a lot of attention and publicity and probably a lot of sponsors." While Wolff is the "best known female driver, there are a host of others who would be involved." Carmen Jordá, who raced in GP3 "without distinction," is currently a development driver with Lotus, while Swiss Simona de Silvestro, who "tested extensively last year with Sauber until her sponsorship dried up, is regarded as one of the better talents." Danica Patrick, who races in Indy Cars, "would jump at the chance" (TELEGRAPH, 3/29). In London, Byron Young reported Ecclestone's idea "instantly hit the buffers when it was shot down" by Wolff. Team bosses have proven equally skeptical of a "woman-only special support race to each GP." Wolff said, "I am aware that people are looking at different avenues but for me, that's not the right direction at all. First of all, I don't know where you'd find a full grid of female drivers who are good enough. Secondly, I have raced my whole career in motorsport as a normal competitor. Why would I ever look for a race where I was only competing against women?" (DAILY MIRROR, 3/28).

SBJ Morning Buzzcast: March 18, 2024

Sports Business Awards nominees unveiled; NWSL's historic opening weekend and takeaways from CFP deal

ESPN’s Jay Bilas, BTN’s Meghan McKeown, and a deep dive into AppleTV+’s The Dynasty

On this week’s Sports Media Podcast from the New York Post and Sports Business Journal, ESPN’s Jay Bilas talks all things NCAA. Big Ten Network’s Meghan McKeown shares her insight into the Caitlin Clark craze. The Boston Globe’s Chad Finn chats all things Bean Town. And SBJ’s Xavier Hunter drops in to share his findings on how the NWSL is making a social media push.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SBJ I Factor: Nana-Yaw Asamoah

SBJ I Factor features an interview with AMB Sports and Entertainment Chief Commercial Office Nana-Yaw Asamoah. Asamoah, who moved over to AMBSE last year after 14 years at the NFL, talks with SBJ’s Ben Fischer about how his role model parents and older sisters pushed him to shrive, how the power of lifelong learning fuels successful people, and why AMBSE was an opportunity he could not pass up. Asamoah is 2021 SBJ Forty Under 40 honoree. SBJ I Factor is a monthly podcast offering interviews with sports executives who have been recipients of one of the magazine’s awards.

Shareable URL copied to clipboard!

https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Global/Issues/2015/03/30/Leagues-and-Governing-Bodies/F1-Women-Series.aspx

Sorry, something went wrong with the copy but here is the link for you.

https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Global/Issues/2015/03/30/Leagues-and-Governing-Bodies/F1-Women-Series.aspx

CLOSE