Single-seater driver Sophia Florsch has criticized Formula 1's all-female support category, calling it “pinkwashing”.
The first F1 Academy champion of 2023 was 24-year-old Spaniard Marta Garcia (pictured below), who went on to receive a place in this year's Formula Regional European Championship, funded by F1 Academy, the car manufacturer Tatuus and Pirelli.
However, she left top team Prema in April to join Mercedes-backed compatriot Doriane Pin in the new Iron Dames team.
Garcia did not score a point as the season ended last weekend at Monza.
"I'm a little emotional," she wrote on social media, revealing that it was probably her “last single-seater race at least for the near future.”
“I actually have tears in my eyes as I write this. My dream has always been to make it to F1 and that dream will stay with me forever.”
Florsch, the German driver who caused a stir with her spectacular Macau F3 crash and spinal injuries in 2018, regularly criticizes women-only racing initiatives, including the defunct W Series and F1 Academy.
In response to the end of Garcia's single-seater career, Florsch, 23, who still races with the men in Formula 3, renewed his criticism.
"I'm so sorry for you, Marta," she responded on social media. “Looks like they used you in 2023 for short-term marketing with the female drivers.”
“Visibility doesn't help the clock. Visibility just helps F1 but not the female drivers,” added Florsch, who was just days ago preparing for her first Indy NXT test.
“Have you found a sponsor, Marta? This is where you need support. Otherwise they then sideline you. Where are all the women's programs announced for 2021-2022? It's so sad. Pinkwashing .”
Articles about Florsch's scathing remarks were published in some media outlets before being taken offline. Behind the scenes, it is said that this happened under pressure from F1 Academy director Susie Wolff.
