For nearly 50 years, no woman has competed in a Formula 1 race, but a new initiative aims to change that. With F1 celebrating its 75th anniversary, the question remains: Can a woman break into the male-dominated world of motorsport?

An organization called More Than Equal, co-founded by former F1 driver David Coulthard, believes the answer is yes. In partnership with Manchester Metropolitan University, they have launched a driver development program to support young female racers and maximize their potential.

Preparing for the Challenges of F1

Six promising racers, aged 13 and 14, recently participated in physical testing at the university’s Institute of Sport. The training included VO2 Max tests (which measure oxygen consumption during exercise), neck strength training, and cognitive assessments—all critical for future F1 drivers.

“Right now, we’re in a learning phase,” says Tom Stanton, More Than Equal’s interim chief executive. “We’ve designed a program we believe is world-class, and we’re working to understand the specific development needs of young female drivers.”

The program also focuses on technical skill development, ensuring the girls become more professionally aware, physically capable, and strategically prepared to compete at the highest level.

Menstrual Cycle Research: A Game-Changer for Women’s Sport

One key challenge for female athletes is the lack of female-specific training. Many sports are now addressing the impact of menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause on performance. More Than Equal is incorporating research on how hormonal changes affect racing performance—an aspect largely overlooked in motorsport.

Professor Kirsty Elliot-Sale, an expert in female endocrinology and exercise physiology, believes this data-driven approach could be revolutionary. “Each sport is different, and we don’t know a lot yet,” she says, “but we’re going to learn quickly.”

Barriers for Women in Motorsport

Beyond physical demands, the biggest barrier to F1 is money. Racing is one of the few sports where financial resources are as important as talent, and sponsors have been reluctant to back female drivers.

Additionally, some young female racers still face discrimination. Lana Flack, 13, from Australia, was sabotaged when she was close to a championship win, while Skye Parker, 14, from Wales, was wrongly accused of an accident and told, “This is why women shouldn’t race.”

Despite these obstacles, Parker remains focused: “My dream is to be a multiple F1 world champion. But first, I have to win one.”