“It’s a lack of opportunities that prevents women in Formula 1”

The 13-time GP winner has a very personal story about it. Kate BeavanStrategic Advisor to More than Equal, she says: “As a child, Coulthard drove karts with his sister Lyndsay. Lyndsay was regularly faster than him. But it was David who made it into Formula 1 because he was supported. Lyndsay wasn’t.”

Strong women in fighter jets

On the topic of physicality, Tom Stanton, CEO of the initiative, has a comparison: “The Red Arrows, the Royal Air Force’s aerobatic team, have been training female pilots for years. When asked how they adapt the training for women, the answer was: ‘Not at all.’ Male pilots confirmed that their female colleagues made better decisions, prepared better and performed better. And that in fighter jets that generate higher G-forces than a Formula 1 car.”

What’s the point then? Do you simply not want women in Formula 1? Kate Beavan says: “It is certain circumstances and a lack of opportunities that prevent women from competing in Formula 1.”

Viennese woman among the best drivers

That should change. Best with Ivonne Simeonova. She wasn’t just discovered. She was chosen. Out of 6,000 female drivers identified worldwide, six were included in the program – one of them is the Viennese woman. Tom Stanton explains why: “When we interviewed her, we felt passion, drive and obsession. She really wants it.”

But Ivonn Simeonova has something else. “She actively seeks criticism,” Stanton says. “Whether you’re a boy, a girl, a teenager or an adult, no one looks for criticism. Winners do. After every run, she comes to the truck with questions.”

Veronika Komarkovawho is responsible for personality development at “More than Equal,” adds: “Ivonn takes responsibility for her path.” She was shy – understandable for a girl who has to assert herself against boys with sharp elbows. “If they find out there’s a girl under the helmet, they’ll drive more aggressively.”

The program gave her media training, organized appearances, and created situations in which she could grow. And Tom Stanton says: “She learns at an alarming rate. You only have to show her something twice and she gets it.” In a sport that requires millisecond decisions, that helps.

Money is not male either

Then there is another point. Kate Beavan: “The biggest determining factor in their success is money.” The path from karting to Formula 1 costs between ten and 25 million euros. Talent, connections, results – it all takes it. But none of this depends on gender. Financing is also equally brutal for everyone. Stanton says, “It takes a village to raise a child. And it will take an Austrian village to raise that child.”