Ecclestone’s controversial comments about female drivers not all true
At an advertising conference 85-year-old, Bernie Ecclestone commented that female drivers wouldn’t be taken seriously in F1 and that they’re not physically able to drive a car fast.
In response to the statements that were made, women took a stand to dispute his opinions, including Pippa Mann (a female F1 driver) who took to social media to say, “Perhaps someone should remind him that IndyCar doesn’t have power steering, and we’re strong enough to drive those.”
More recently Susie Wolff, another British racer, spoke out on social media last week after controversial comments, made by Formula 1 chief executive, Bernie Ecclestone, hit news headlines.
She tweeted her thoughts towards the matter saying that Ecclestone was always supportive of her journey as a female driver:
After hearing Bernie’s comments in context & speaking to him today, it’s clear we both have the goal of getting a female driver to F1 (1/4)
— Susie Wolff (@Susie_Wolff) April 20, 2016
Through my years in motorsport, he was supportive of my mission to make it onto the starting grid in F1 (2/4)
— Susie Wolff (@Susie_Wolff) April 20, 2016
For me, actions always speak louder than words. @D2BDofficial is about driving female talent & Bernie is with us. (4/4) #D2BD
— Susie Wolff (@Susie_Wolff) April 20, 2016
According to IOL the recording of the comments made by Ecclestone was later released and it seems that the actual recording included positive and supportive comments towards the female racing industry.
Furthermore, when asked how he felt about a sponsor putting backing into an all-female team, he replied: “Great. I’d put another $20 million in to make sure it happened.”