W Series Confirm Eight F1 Undercard Races In 2021

All-female, single-seater motorsport championship W Series has extended its partnership with Formula 1, meaning it’s 2021 calendar will feature eight F1 support races.

Originally, W Series was scheduled to race alongside Formula 1 for the first time this year but the coronavirus pandemic forced the entire second season to be cancelled.

Now, though, the partnership will see it race during the weekend of eight Formula 1 showpieces, with dates and locations still to be announced.

“Formula One is by some margin the world’s premier motor racing series,” said W Series Chief Executive Catherine Bond Muir. “When we promised that W Series would be bigger and better in the future, partnering with Formula One was always our ultimate objective.

“There is no doubt that, now that W Series will be run alongside and in collaboration with Formula One, our global reach, impact and influence will be increased significantly.”

Ross Brawn, Managing Director of Motorsport, Formula 1, added: “We are excited to announce our 2021 season this week and look forward to a thrilling season with an exciting mix of new races and established circuits that we missed during our unprecedented 2020 season.

“It is a really important moment for us to welcome W Series as partners for eight races this season. They have been a beacon to many since they began racing in 2019.

“We believe it is incredibly important to give everyone the chance to reach the highest levels of our sport and their partnership with Formula 1 next season shows our determination and commitment to showcase their exciting series and the importance of building greater diversity across the sport.”