by Formula 3 driver Sophia Flörsch says the F1 academy is being used as “pinkwashing”, a term that suggests superficially agreeing with equality or inclusion without seriously trying to improve the situation.
The claim comes after inaugural female world champion Marta Garcia admitted last weekend’s Formula Regional European event in Monza was “probably my last race in a single-seater”.
Garcia competed for the Iron Dames team and finished the season as the worst-place driver who started all 20 races. He didn’t score a point and achieved 14th place as his best result.
Responding to Garcia’s messages on social media, Floersch, who has long been a critic of all-female categories such as the F1 Academy and the W Series before it, said: “I’m so sorry for you, Marta.
“It looks like they took advantage of you [in] 2023 for short-term marketing. With female drivers, [that] Visibility doesn’t help keep up with the stopwatch. That’s no secret. The visibility only helps Formula 1, but not the female drivers.”
As part of the prize for winning the F1 Academy title, Garcia’s FRECA seat for 2024 was fully funded, with this cost split between F1 Academy, Prema, Tatuus and Pirelli.
Marta Garcia, F1 Academy champion
Photo by: James Sutton / Motorsport Images
She was a partner in the Iron Dames, founded by Doriane Pin, who is currently second in the F1 Academy standings but also failed to score a point in the FRECA.
“Have you found a sponsor, Marta?” added Flörsch, who will compete for Nissan in the all-women’s Formula E test in November. “They then drive you to the sidelines.
“What happened in 2024 was so bad. They point the finger at you even though they know exactly what matters. The male talents of the team bosses show how it’s done.
“Where are all the women’s programs announced in 2021/2022? Why doesn’t the media ask the right questions? It’s so sad. Pinkwashing. Let’s make a list of female drivers since 2021 and ask them what’s happening in racing.”
Motorsport.com has contacted Formula 1 for comment.
