F1 Academy ‘A Step in the Right Direction’ – Lewis

There’s a new look to the Formula One support bill for 2024, and it all begins at this weekend’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

F1 Academy, the single-seater series for women looking to forge a path into the highest levels of motorsport, begins its second season in Jeddah.

Spearheaded by Managing Director Susie Wolff there will be seven events through 2024, and all will share the limelight with Grands Prix around some of the world’s most iconic race tracks.

Speaking ahead of the weekend, Lewis praised the growth of the series, and the progress made in the paddock to increase diversity in our sport.

“It’s a step in the right direction,” he said.

“I’m really proud of the work that Susie is doing with F1 Academy, she is a great spokesperson for it. It’s great to see the other teams embracing it too,” he added.

“There is definitely more diversity in the paddock. I have been here a long time and not seen so many women before so that is amazing. But there is still an awful lot more to be done.”

Lewis and George also spent time with our F1 Academy junior driver Doriane Pin, who is making her debut this weekend.

Find Out More About F1 Academy

Doriane already has a strong racing record, performing strongly for the Iron Dames racing team in the World Endurance Championship. She made the switch to single-seater racing at the end of 2023, picking up two wins at F4 level over the winter.

“I was talking to Doriane in the garage, it’s always interesting to talk to a young driver,” said Lewis.

“I remember being at that stage, and I talked to her about that. What I did, and what I could have done. I didn’t take any notes, for example!”

Follow all the action from the opening round of the F1 Academy season across our digital and social channels this weekend.

Lewis’ message for Doriane