Women drivers

[edison]

women are generally lighter than men.
thats a lighter car, or more fuel for same weight car. more options over pit-stops, etc.

stamina over strength - women have the edge, since the cars drive is mechanical or electronic.

reaction speeds - dunno.

overall, an interesting development.
hope she wins!

It might happen one day. Look at someone like Danica Patrick who came 3rd in the Indy 500 a few years ago. OK, it's not exactly the same as F1 but she only weighs about 7 stone (45kg), about 18kg less than Sebastian Vettel, that must have an impact?

Plus she's extremely pleasing on the eye

Danica Patrick - Fhm Apr

[d000hg]

women are generally lighter than men.
thats a lighter car, or more fuel for same weight car. more options over pit-stops, etc.

stamina over strength - women have the edge, since the cars drive is mechanical or electronic.

reaction speeds - dunno.

overall, an interesting development.
hope she wins!

Physical strength IS still a factor when subjected to 5g lateral loads.

Otherwise the weight issue is a good observation; this year teams are really struggling with weight and larger drivers are having to go on really horrible diet/training regimes. Button for instance who is one of the leanest, fittest drivers, said he needed to lose 5kg (IIRC) and would have to lose muscle as he already had pretty much zero fat.

[VectraMan]

In F1 the weight of car plus driver is fixed, and from this year the amount of fuel is limited, so a lighter driver results in neither a lighter car overall or the ability to put in more fuel.

There is still an advantage due to ballast, and this year the taller drivers have struggled to not be over the minimum weight which is an issue. They look likely to raise the minimum next year.

Strength and stamina could be a factor, but Susie Wolff did pretty long runs at Silverstone last year. Probably nobody will know until a woman does get to race in F1 again and prove everyone wrong.

But it'll take someone to come along with real talent. The sad truth is Sauber would take my Mum as test driver if she paid enough money.