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Picture Credit: Twitter/@F1

Formula 1 is set to kick start all-female drivers' category, starting in 2023 to groom female drivers to progress to a higher level of competition, including W Series, Formula 1, Formula 2 and Formula 3. According to Formula 1, the series will comprise of five teams run by current F2 and F3 teams, each featuring three cars to make up a 15-car grid. 

The inaugural season will have seven rounds, with three races per round. While the calendar is yet to be announced, organizers have informed that it will likely be part of one F1 race weekend. Formula One further added that there will be 15 days of official testing. 

In a released statement by F1, the motorsports governing body confirmed that drivers would be getting the wheel of Tatuus T421 chassis, with Autotecnica supplying turbocharged engines that will deliver 165 horsepower. At the same time, Formula 1's Global Partner Pirelli will provide the tyres . 

Talking about the budget, F1 will contribute €1,50,000 per car (€2.25m in total). While the drivers will be required to match that amount, F1 added that it represents a fraction of the usual costs in a comparable series, whereas teams will provide the rest of the budget. The announcement of the same comes on the back of the W Series being forced to call off its final three rounds in 2022 due to fundraising issues. 

However, the F1 body confirmed that W Series won't be replaced but will instead act as a feeder series of the same. The F1 Academy will be managed by Bruno Michel, CEO of Formula Motorsports Limited, which oversees F2 and F3. 

“Everyone should have the opportunity to follow their dreams and achieve their potential and Formula One wants to ensure we are doing everything we can to create greater diversity and routes into this incredible sport”, said F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali.