There aren't really prizes in professional racing. The drivers seek sponsorship and, in effect, pay to race. At the very top of the top level, they are paid salaries and bonuses, but even in F1, the top 20 drivers in the world, some are paying to drive, not being paid.
The audience for women is small but growing. F1 Academy is a series to help women move up in single seaters, and I watch it on F1TV (streaming service). I enjoy it and I know others who do as well. The level of equipment is F4, so 3 levels below F1 and in essence just about karts.
The point is FIS now has championship for women ski jumpers, F1 does not. Or they do and its forth rate. What is their prize fund, their audience? Is it pathetic as well?
It's not that simple. Racing isn't like other sports. It's a different value proposition as a business, and it is funded differently. There isn't a separation between the athlete and the funding.
F1 Academy is that attempt to fund upcoming women racers, an effort to do the right thing and invest.
Comments
F1 Academy is that attempt to fund upcoming women racers, an effort to do the right thing and invest.