Stefano Domenicali talks about opportunities for women

Formel-1 boss Stefano Domenicali does not expect a female driver to advance to the racing series in the coming years. “Realistically I don’t expect a woman to get into Formula 1 in the next five years unless something like a meteorite hits. That’s very unlikely,” said the Italian ahead of this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix.

The managing director emphasized that Formula 1 is trying to improve the chances for female drivers. It is “crucial to give women the maximum opportunity on the road to Formula 1,” said Domenicali, who once served as head of Ferrari’s Formula 1 team.

So far only two women at a Grand Prix

In the history of the racing series only two women have taken part in a Grand Prix, both from Italy. Maria Teresa de Filippis qualified for three races in the 1950s. Lella Lombardi is the only racing driver to have made it into the points. In 1975 she got half a point in sixth place in an abandoned Grand Prix.

Formula 1 currently supports the W Series, a racing series for women that is run as part of some Grand Prix events. “We are working on improving the system. We will present measures shortly,” said Formula 1 boss Domenicali. The 57-year-old former boss of the sports car manufacturer Lamborghini did not reveal what these measures consist of.