Racing has always been seen as a man’s world, but that’s changing fast.
The W Series launched in 2019 as the first single-seater racing championship designed only for women drivers.
It’s not just about giving female racers a platform – it’s about changing how people think about motorsport.
This championship offers something different. Equal cars, equal chances, and real opportunities for women to show their skills on the track.
The series has already produced some incredible racing moments and breakthrough stories. Let’s look at what makes W Series special and why it matters for the future of motorsport.
What is W Series Racing?
W Series is a single-seater motor racing championship created specifically for female drivers. Launched in 2019, it uses identical Formula 3-level cars to ensure equal competition.
The series was founded by Catherine Bond Muir and David Coulthard with a simple goal to give talented women racers the chance to compete at the highest level.
Unlike other racing series, W Series provides free entry. Drivers don’t need to bring sponsorship money – they just need speed and skill.
The championship runs on Formula 1 weekend schedules, giving participants maximum exposure. Winners receive prize money and points toward an FIA Super License.
The series has featured drivers from over 20 countries, proving that female racing talent exists worldwide.
It’s not just about racing; it’s about building pathways for women in motorsport.
Origin and Motivation Behind Creating the W Series
Image Source: F1
The W Series emerged from a simple but powerful idea: women deserved equal opportunities in motorsport.
By 2018, the racing world had a problem. Despite decades of progress in other sports, female drivers struggled to find seats in top-level racing. Money often mattered more than talent.
Catherine Bond Muir, a former investment banker, teamed up with ex-Formula 1 driver David Coulthard to change this.
They saw how women faced barriers that men didn’t – from finding sponsors to getting recognized by teams. The solution seemed obvious: create a championship where gender wasn’t a disadvantage.
Racing had always been about proving who’s fastest, but the playing field wasn’t level. Women needed their own space to show their skills without financial barriers.
The W Series aimed to fix this gap and create a proper pathway to Formula 1.
How W Series Racing Works
Image Source: F1
The W Series operates differently from traditional motorsport. It removes financial barriers through free entry and identical cars, focusing purely on driver talent and racing ability.
Centralized Car Ownership and Spec Series Format
W Series uses a spec series format where every driver gets the same equipment. The championship owns all the cars, which are based on Formula 3 machinery. Here’s how it works:
- Identical Cars: All drivers use Tatuus F3 T-318 chassis with identical engines and setups
- No Pay Drivers: Teams can’t favor drivers who bring money
- Equal Equipment: Same tires, fuel, and technical specifications for everyone
- Controlled Costs: The series covers all car-related expenses
- Fair Competition: Success depends only on driving skill, not budget size
Driver Selection and Free Drives Concept
The series typically selects 18-20 drivers for each season. This approach has attracted talent from multiple continents and racing backgrounds.
The selection process focuses on talent over financial backing. W Series holds tryouts and evaluates drivers based on speed and potential:
- Open Applications: Drivers from around the world can apply
- Testing Days: Selected candidates get track time in identical cars
- Performance Assessment: Lap times and racecraft determine final selection
- No Entry Fees: Chosen drivers race for free with all costs covered
- Merit-Based: Only driving ability matters in selection decisions
Racing Season Structure and Key Events
The series typically runs from May to October, visiting iconic tracks like Silverstone, Monza, and Spa-Francorchamps.
Each weekend follows the same format: practice sessions, qualifying, and one race. Points are awarded using the traditional F1 system, with 25 points for a win, down to 1 point for 10th place.
W Series follows Formula 1’s calendar, racing at the same circuits on the same weekends. This gives drivers maximum exposure and learning opportunities.
| Season Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Race Weekends | 8-10 rounds per season |
| Format | Practice, Qualifying, Race |
| Race Length | 30 minutes + 1 lap |
| Points System | Standard F1-style scoring |
| Championship | Season-long points battle |
Key Milestones and Seasons of W Series
Since its 2019 launch, W Series has achieved significant milestones while facing major challenges.
The championship has crowned champions and created opportunities for female drivers worldwide.
1. 2019 – Inaugural Season
- First-ever W Series race held at Hockenheim, Germany
- Jamie Chadwick became the first W Series champion
- 18 drivers from 12 different countries participated
- Prize fund of $1.5 million distributed to drivers
2. 2020 – Season CancellThe ed
- COVID-19 pandemic forced a complete season cancellation
- Financial impact hit the championship hard
- The series used for planning and development
3. 2021 – Return and Growth
- Championship returned with 8 races
- Joined the Formula 1 support program officially
- Jamie Chadwick won her second title
- Increased global TV coverage and viewership
4. 2022 – Expansion Efforts
- 10 races across iconic F1 circuits
- Jamie Chadwick secured her third consecutive championship
- Enhanced driver development programs launched
- Prize money increased to support driver careers
5. 2023-2024 – Financial Struggles
- The Championship faced serious funding issues
- Season suspended due to financial constraints
- The search for new investors and partners began
- The future of the series became uncertain
The championship’s biggest success was proving female drivers could compete at high levels when given equal equipment and opportunities.
Impact and Legacy of W Series Racing
W Series changed how people think about women in motorsport.
The championship proved female drivers could compete at professional levels when given equal cars and opportunities.
It created real pathways for women who previously struggled to find seats in male-dominated racing.
The series produced role models for young girls interested in racing. Jamie Chadwick’s three championships showed consistency and skill that earned respect across motorsport.
Other drivers like Alice Powell and Beitske Visser gained recognition they might never have received elsewhere.
Media coverage of female racers increased significantly.
Major broadcasters showed W Series races, giving women drivers visibility they’d never had before. This exposure helped some participants secure drives in other championships.
Despite financial troubles, the W Series opened doors and changed conversations about gender in racing forever
The Bottom Line
W Series has shown that talent knows no gender boundaries.
The championship created something motorsport desperately needed – a level playing field where women could prove their speed without financial barriers.
While the series faces uncertain times, its impact runs deeper than race results.
Young girls now see female drivers competing at professional levels. That matters more than any championship trophy. W Series opened conversations about equality in racing that won’t close again.
The future of women in motorsport looks different because of this championship. The change in racing has started. There’s no going back now.
