Caryss Green, '25 - Editor
Susie Wolff, the wife of Mercedes team principal, Toto Wolff, was driving for Williams during the FP1 session at the 2014 British Grand Prix. She had been hired by the team as a development driver back in 2012 and had been promoted to test driver for the season. By racing in the practice session, Wolff became the first woman in 20 years to participate in a Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend.
Unfortunately, her hard work and accomplishments were overshadowed by comments made by another driver, Sergio Perez. Interviewed by Spanish television, Perez hailed Wolff as a great driver but then jokingly added, “Imagine that a woman can beat you, that is the last straw! She would be better in the kitchen… Better in the kitchen than with the cars.” To this, Wolff responded, “Saw some comments made by @SChecoPerez as I was making dinner in the kitchen last night… Please give him a break…” She also added, “His comments were taken completely out of context. Anyway, as my family will tell you, I drive better than I cook!” Despite the joking nature of his comment, and Wolff’s understanding, Perez’s words reflect common stereotypes that have been placed on women.
Other stereotypical comments have also come from Christian Horner, Red Bull Team Principal. During an interview in 2022, Horner stated, “F1 is bringing in a young generation. It’s bringing in a lot of young girls because of all these great-looking young drivers.” His comments were immediately called out by the host, Laura Woods, and Horner added that the sport could use more women driving as well as in engineering and management roles.
While his comment was demeaning, Horner was right, however, that more girls are entering the world of racing. My interest in Formula 1 was sparked by the Netflix series Drive to Survive, but my initial interest in racing originated while watching NASCAR races with my dad. Seeing more girls interested in racing is exciting, and it’s inevitable that even more will become captivated by the sport.
In addition, Girls like Bianca Bustamante and Jessica Hawkins are proving that women do have what it takes to thrive in the world of racing. For example, Hawkins completed her debut Formula 1 test with Aston Martin at the Hungary Grand Prix and said, "I’ll keep pushing for more and, in the process, I want to inspire other women and let them know they should follow their dream no matter what it is.” Also, Bianca Bustamante was recently signed as a development driver by McLaren, and she will be racing in the F1 Academy in 2024. Bustamante is a great example of a role model for other girls. She is proud of who she is and what she has accomplished and is proving that women do have a place in racing. It’s important for girls to have role models in sports and not to be discouraged by stereotypes. Women haven’t always been this visible in racing, but people like Wolff, Bustamante, and Hawkins are prime examples that they belong in the sport.