The W Series ends prematurely due to lack of funds
The 2022 W Series prematurely comes to an end due to budget constraints. The championship, which uses single-seaters exclusively for women, concludes before the races in Austin and Mexico, which will not take place. The debts accumulated during this 3rd edition amount to £7.5 million, approximately €8.5 million.
It’s sad news for women’s motorsport. Rumors had been circulating for 10 days, but it only became official on October 10th. While the purpose of this competition was to create opportunities for female drivers and lead them to the path of Formula 1, the W Series will indeed not continue. This is what Catherine Bond Muir, CEO of W Series, announced. The reason for this is explained by a contractual breach by one of its financial backers in fulfilling their commitments.
It is important to note the uniqueness of this championship; it is completely free for the drivers who, unlike Formula 1 drivers, have nothing to invest in order to race. Bonuses are even paid to the drivers at the end of the championship, including $500,000 to the champion, from a total jackpot of $1.5 million. Catherine Muir adds that there is no shortage of investment proposals, but they need to be studied. However, time has been lacking and the emergence of payment deadlines has not allowed the championship to continue until Austin. She specifically mentions the need to make a pragmatic decision.
This suspension of the championship has therefore prematurely crowned British Jamie Chadwick, who becomes champion for the 3rd consecutive time.
Formula 1 speaks up.
The world of Formula 1 has not remained unaffected by this interruption. Zak Brown, director of the McLaren team, expressed his support for the championship: “Of course, Formula 1, or all of us as the Formula 1 community, have the obligation to ensure that we continue to support the development formulas.”
Christian Horner, for his part, is dismayed by the situation: “It would be really unfortunate to lose the W Series. I think it’s a good thing to have women’s races and a championship that is exclusive to women.”
Lewis Hamilton has announced his full support for the continuation of this championship. The English driver is pointing out a lack of attention towards women’s sports and their representation in the motorsports industry.
Some people say, “We will never see a woman F1 driver.” That is not the right attitude to have. I believe we need to take more action, explains the seven-time Formula 1 World Champion.
However, Catherine Bond Muir is extremely confident about the presence of the W Series next year and continues to search for the necessary funds for 2023.
