Bernie Ecclestone risks fresh sexism storm with claim female F1 drivers 'would not be taken seriously'

A female driver has not competed in a F1 race since Lella Lombardi in 1976

Formula One chief executive Bernie Ecclestone (Getty)

Bernie Ecclestone has risked creating controversy once again by repeating his claim that female drivers “would not be taken seriously” in Formula One.

The 85-year-old has previously been accused of sexism after expressing his belief that women do not possess the requisite physical strength to compete with men at motorsport’s elite level.

Ecclestone, chief executive of the Formula One Group, reiterated this point on Tuesday while speaking at an event held by Advertising Week Europe.

"I don't know whether a woman would physically be able to drive an F1 car quickly and they wouldn't be taken seriously," he said.

Ecclestone went on to suggest that women could take executive positions within the sport one day, as they are “more competent and they don’t have massive egos”.

The chief executive’s comments have attracted widespread criticism from figures within and outside motorsport.

Pippa Mann, a British driver who has competed in the Indianapolis 500, tweeted her dismay: “Sigh. #HereWeGoAgain.”

Emma Barnett, The Telegraph's women’s editor, attended the event and live-tweeted Ecclestone’s comments, adding: “…yup, this is happening.”

The last woman to attempt to qualify for a F1 race was Giovanni Amati, who most recently competed over two decades ago. Lella Lombardi was the last female driver to take part in race during the 1976 Austrian Grand Prix.

Susie Wolff, the most high-profile woman to recently compete in the sport, retired from racing earlier this year after spending driving for Williams in practice and test sessions since 2012.

Wolff, who left the British constructor after realising that her dream of making the starting grid was becoming increasingly unlikely, has now launched an initiative to encourage more women to take up motorsport.

The 33-year-old, however, has defended Ecclestone, tweeting: "After hearing Bernie's comments in context and speaking to him it's clear we both have the goal."

"Last week he agreed to come onboard with @D2BDofficial [her initiative] and support the next generation of girls aiming for the top, on and off the track.

"Through my years in motorsport he was supportive of my mission to make it onto the starting grid. For me, actions always speak louder than words. @D2BDofficial is about driving female talent and Bernie is with us."