From the outset it was clear for Austria’s new racing academy to offer absolutely equal support to male and female motorsport rookies
On the occasion of International Women’s Day this week, it’s time to remember that women have also got a powerful say on and off the track. More and more female talents are making their marks in international motorsport as drivers, engineers, design, tyre or lubricant experts, driver agents or even team bosses.
Thus, the Formelaustria Young Driver Programme has paid a tribute to this fact from day one and offered female talents exactly the same opportunities as their male counterparts. “What matters to us are qualities like know-how, passion, will or a good sense of humour, not which gender somebody is,” programme director Harry Miltner explained.
One of the programme’s ambassadors is former racing driver and now TV pundit Corinna Kamper. “It’s an amazing programme and particularly the fact that at least one of the six annual participants must be a female driver, is simply amazing,” she explained the reason for accepting her role.
The entire media training for the programme participants is run by women, by former F1 press spokeswoman Alexandra Schieren and ex-Sky Sports F1 presenter Maren Braun. On track, talents like Kristyna Kalistova and Michelle Jandova, both hailing from the Czech Republic, have had their fair share of racing action.
“Young girls don’t get too many chances to compete in top junior series and the Formelaustria Young Driver Programme makes sure, we can. I am very grateful and excited at the same time,” Kalistova said.
Founded in June 2024, the Formelaustria Young Driver Programme, which is supported by F1 legends Riccardo Patrese, David Coulthard or Alex Wurz, is a springboard for young racing talents who dream of reaching F1.
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