F1: The Movie & It's Representation of Women

The F1 film, directed by Joseph Kosinski, had a notable cultural impact on perceptions of women in motorsport. But, overall, many women and advocates felt it missed an important opportunity to support gender equality and representation.

We have curated a breakdown of the key effects:

Disappointment in On-Screen Representation

There was a missed opportunity for positive role models. The film introduced a female technical director, played by Kerry Condon - a rare depiction of women in a high-level motorsport leadership role - which had the potential to inspire hundreds of women and girls. However, critics argue that her storyline was sidelined into a romantic subplot and underdeveloped, undermining her professional role instead of celebrating it. This is due to the fact that Condon's character, ends up spending the night in the hotel with Pitt's character, Sonny Hayes, and they begin to share romantic moments.

This goes against women in motorsport as it suggests to women they must be romantically involved with a driver to be successful - which is not true. For female fans, this portrayal felt very regressive rather than empowering, especially given ongoing efforts to highlight women's contributions to the sport.

Other female characters, including the only woman in the pit-crew team, were portrayed with comic or ineffectual traits that many viewers felt reinforced outdated stereotypes about women's competence. For example, the pit-crew member accidentally messes up a pit stop and no one is surprised because she is a woman.

Actress Simone Ashley, who was initially part of the cast buzz, ended up with only a brief cameo after her storyline was cut. This disappointed fans who were hoping for broader representation.

Criticism on Social Media

Many female fans expressed frustration on social media that the film seemed rather tone-deaf about women's real achievements and challenges in motorsport. Some saw the romantic trope, between Condon and Pitt, and the comedic mishaps as sending the message that women are less serious or credible in the sport.

Critics noted that reducing women to love interests or comic relief can accidentally reinforce the idea that women aren't suited for technical or high-pressure roles in motorsport. This is a perception motorsport is actively trying to dismantle. Take Hannah Schmitz as an example. Schmitz is the Principal Strategy Engineer at Oracle Red Bull Racing. Her skills have benefitted Red Bull massively, and assisted them to many of their wins.

Today's Context

Nowadays, data shows that women make up a significant part of the F1 audience. It is now around 40% of fans are female. It is one of the fastest growing demographics in the sport. So, for the film to reinforce traditional stereotypes, it doesn't show much hope to women in the sport who F1 should be attempting to focus on due to the rapid rate of growth.

Efforts like the F1 Academy and other development programs are actively empowering women with real pathways into racing and technical roles. These are far more impactful than the fictional portrayals in the movie.

Summary

Whilst Kerry Condon's character, Kate, did highlight to female fans that women can achieve a powerful and high-responsibility role within motorsport, the movie also brought those highlights right back down.

It's portrayals were seen as a missed opportunity to present authentic, empowering female role models. For many women and advocates, the portrayal undercut real progress being made in the sport - especially when contrasted with actual growth in female fandom and targeted development programs.