Sixteen year-old Maya Weug has just made history as the first female member of the Ferrari Driver Academy (FDA). Weug began driving karts at the age of seven where she undoubtedly found her life’s passion. Competing against three other female drivers aged 14-17 years in the Girls on Track, Rising Stars initiative, Weug came out on top earning her spot in the FDA. From this, Maya Weug is predicted to compete in an F4 Championship season this coming year.
The Girls on Track, Rising Stars initiative was started by the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile‘s(FIA) Women in Motorsport Commission in collaboration with the FDA. The program was designed to support young female drivers in their journey to reach their highest potential in motor sport. As stated by Ferrari Team Principle Mattia Binotto, “Although there is no actual barrier to their participation, we are aware that it is harder for women to progress in this field.” This is what kickstarted the idea for an initiative to support and encourage more young females into the sport.
Binotto was spot on when acknowledging the lack of women in motor sport. Only two women have ever competed in a Grand Prix. The last woman to compete in a Formula 1 World Championship race was Lella Lombardi in 1976 and she remains the only woman to have scored points in F1 racing.
This somewhat new beginning for female drivers may raise questions as to the involvement of women in the social world of motor sport. These questions are always good to ask and discuss because they help us to understand past struggles and future plans. The Girls on Track, Rising Stars initiative has definitely jump started this journey, but it’s a long road ahead and there are many more firsts to come.
Maura S.
Sport, Not Games ⚽ 