Saturday 11th August 2019 was the last time the W Series held a real-world race, but as the world begins its slow return to normal, that wait won’t be for much longer.
Like so many things we all took for granted, sport had to take a pause as the global pandemic f
orced events and championships to close their doors or stop altogether and W Series was no different. The all-female series was all geared up for their second year of competition after an incredibly successful debut year but had to quickly rethink plans.
With travel restrictions placed across the globe and people’s safety a real and genuine issue, the cars were packed up and the decision was taken to cancel any on track action for 2020. A successful Esports series took place further establishing the reach of the series to Generation Z, who invest more time in a virtual world than more established forms of media. The promise was that W Series would come back in 2021 bigger and better that ever, and it might just have done that.
Image Credit: W Series
The big announcement for 2021 was that the series will be supporting Formula One, a massive achievement by those behind the scenes and a great leap forward in terms of equality on that stage. Manufacturing doubts and the cancelation of 2020 meant there was opportunity and motivation to move away from 2019 partners, DTM. The series will be racing on the same weekend as Formula One for eight rounds starting in Austria on the 26th June and ending in Mexico on the 30th October.
All drivers who were due to compete in 2020 will be returning in 2021, with the exception of South African Tasmin Pepper who can’t travel due to COVID restrictions and thus will become a reserve driver with the hope of joining full time once the global situation changes. Defending champion Jamie Chadwick returns, and will be dividing her time between the series, Extreme E and her duties as Williams Racing development driver. New editions to the grid are Norway’s Ayla Agren, Spanish duo Belen Garcia and Nerea Marti. UK racer Abbie Eaton, Brazilian Bruna Tomaselli and Russian teenager Irina Sidorkova.
Testing for the 2021 season took play in May at Anglesey Circuit, Wales, a somewhat different environment to the original test location at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo, Valencia, Spain, which had to be rearranged due to the ongoing pandemic. All drivers attended, again with the exception Pepper. They were joined by the three additional drivers who had been invited to take part in the test. British F4 driver Abbi Pulling joined the test along with former 2019 drivers Gosia Rdest and Caitlin Wood.
Pulling, Rdest and Woods have all be announced as official reserve drivers for the year along with former 2019 driver Naomi Schiff and the earlier mentioned Tasmin Pepper.
Image Credit: Drew Gibson
All eyes will be on Jamie Chadwick who not only will defending her trophy but undoubtedly has the series to thank for raising her profile and will be the person to beat. 2019 runner up and current 2020 Esports champion Beitske Visser will also be one to watch. The Dutch driver narrowly missed out in 2019 and was miles above the rest during last years Esports League. A wild card tip is Russian teenager Idria Sidorkova. The 18-year-old impressed in the Esports League and will be looking to take that form into the real world.
Unlike its male counterpart, W Series will be broadcast on free to air on Channel 4 in the UK, continuing the partnership from 2019. W Series was the second most-watched women’s sport in the UK behind football that year. In 2021 viewers will be able to watch all the action including qualifying sessions and races, as well as build-up, analysis, and paddock insight. Live coverage will be shown across Channel 4’s streaming platforms and made available to watch on demand through the All 4 catch-up service.
Further afield, deals in more than 175 markets will see the series shown in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas. NENT, Sky Deutschland, RTVE, Canal+ and Ziggo are among the first wave of broadcasters to link up with the series, with more to follow.
Speaking about the upcoming season, current champion Jamie Chadwick said; “it is important that I get off to a fast start in Austria next month, so this week’s pre-season test is vital.
Retaining the W Series title is the goal this season, but it will be tougher than in 2019. The grid has more depth this year and the likes of Beitske Visser have gained lots of valuable experience in other series since the last W Series race nearly two years ago. Beitske will push me hard and be one of my main rivals for the title again.
Through my work with Prema in the Formula Regional European Championship last year and my development driver role with the Williams F1 team, I have learnt so much about how to approach races and I hope that will make the difference this year. Racing at some of the best circuits in the world will be great, but winning at them will be even better and that’s the aim.”
2019 runner up and current Esports League champion, Besitsje Visser said; “I can’t wait for the 2021 W Series season to begin and this week’s pre-season test in Wales is the most crucial part of my preparation.
I’ve been competing in the World Endurance Championship, so I feel like I’m in a good rhythm. Going back to single seaters will require a change of driving style but I’m confident I’ll be up to speed within a few laps. From there, the goal will be to complete as many laps as possible this week so that, when the first race of the season arrives in Austria next month, I can continue where I left off in 2019.
As a driver, you are always looking to improve and, having finished second in W Series’ first season, there is only one step to go this year and I’m aiming to win the title. If I work hard and make no mistakes, I’m confident of achieving that. I’ve improved since 2019 but others have too. Jamie [Chadwick] is the defending champion and will be up there again for sure.”
The W Series opens in Austria on the 26th June and Overtake will be bringing you all the action.
W Series 2021 Calendar
Date Location
26 June Spielberg, Austria (in support of the Styrian Grand Prix)
3 July Spielberg, Austria (in support of the Austrian Grand Prix)
17 July Silverstone, UK
31 July Budapest, Hungary
28 August Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium
4 September Zandvoort, Netherlands
23 October Austin, USA
30 October Mexico City, Mexico
Image Credit: Drew Gibson
