Motor racing-Hamilton hails W Series tie-up with Formula One from 2021
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“When we promised that W Series would be bigger and better in the future, partnering with Formula One was always our ultimate objective,” said Bond Muir.
“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.”
Britain’s Jamie Chadwick was the inaugural champion of the series, which featured six rounds supporting the German Touring Car Championship (DTM) and paid out $500,000 to the winner.
Top drivers in the series will be eligible for points towards an FIA super license needed to race in Formula One.
Formula One’s managing director for motorsport Ross Brawn said W Series had been “a beacon to many” since the championship started.
“We believe it is incredibly important to give everyone the chance to reach the highest levels of our sport,” he added.
“Their partnership with Formula One next season shows our determination and commitment to showcase their exciting series and the importance of building greater diversity across the sport.”
Bond Muir said the W Series would prioritize free-to-air broadcasters, such as Britain’s Channel Four.
“We are not looking for big bucks for TV deals, what we are looking for is reach,” she said. “We want to be a truly global international series and the only way we can do that is by getting into as many households as possible.”
Formula One this week published a draft 2021 calendar with a record 23 races running from Australia in March to Abu Dhabi in December. (Reporting by Alan Baldwin, editing by Toby Davis and Ken Ferris)
