Did the F1 Academy Docu Series do Women in Motorsport a Disservice?

Exploring how narrative choices shape public perception in women’s racing.

Netflix's announcement of a documentary series on F1 Academy was welcomed as a much-needed opportunity to highlight the upcoming generation of female drivers. For a sport that has long been criticised for its lack of diversity, the series offered advancement, opportunity and visibility. However, the discourse swiftly changed after it was released. Unprecedented access to the drivers and inner workings of the all-female championship was provided by the show, but it also generated controversy about how these women were portrayed, which stories were given priority and if the series ultimately aided or hurt the cause it claimed to support.

One of the most disappointing aspects of the docu series was its complete exclusion of F1 Academy’s inaugural season in 2023. The series failed to acknowledge the foundation that was laid in that first year, particularly by drivers like Marta García, who won the championship and played a pivotal role in setting the standard for the series. By ignoring this important chapter, the series missed an opportunity to provide essential context and celebrate the progress and achievements that made the current season possible. Marta García’s championship win, for example, was more than just a personal achievement; it was a symbol of possibility and progress, inspiring countless aspiring female racers worldwide. This absence not only diminishes the historical narrative but also undermines the importance of representation and the ongoing fight for equality in motorsport.

What made the docu series truly frustrating was how it prioritised manufactured drama over genuine storytelling, sacrificing the authentic experiences of the athletes in favour of sensationalised rivalries that never really existed. It felt as though the producers were more focused on crafting a reality TV-style drama than authentically portraying the athletes and their journeys. The editing suggested rivalries between drivers and teammates that didn’t seem to exist in reality, which undermined the integrity of the series and detracted from the core message of supporting and promoting women in motorsport.

Now, while I don’t consider myself a huge fan of Bianca Bustamante, it was clear the series positioned her as a sort of ‘villain’ or controversial figure. The emphasis on her social media presence was disproportionate and seemed to suggest that her online following was her main focus, completely ignoring the fact that she actively uses her platform to fund her racing career, which is an unfortunate necessity for many young drivers today. This lack of nuance did her a disservice and felt like a missed opportunity to explore the financial realities of motorsport.

Additionally, I found the portrayal of Bianca’s performance coach quite troubling. His comments came across as dismissive. He appeared disengaged and unsupportive and the show failed to highlight any constructive or encouraging interactions from him. This portrayal clashed with the empowering narrative the series claims to promote and raised concerns about the kind of support systems being presented to young athletes.

One of the most disappointing aspects of the series was how it tried to reduce Amna and Hamda Al Qubaisi to little more than a “rich girl” stereotype, overshadowing their true dedication and accomplishments in motorsport. While it's true that motorsport requires significant financial backing, framing the sisters primarily through the lens of wealth undermined their athletic credibility and years of hard work in junior categories. The show could have explored their journey with more balance, acknowledging their resources while still giving credit to their talent, resilience and achievements. Instead, the focus on their lifestyle risks alienating viewers from understanding the full scope of their commitment to the sport.

Overall, while I’m sure there are some positive aspects to the series, it just wasn’t for me. It had the potential to shine a light on an important and inspiring part of motorsport, but instead, it focused too much on drama and stereotypes that didn’t feel genuine. For someone who cares about authentic stories and meaningful representation of women in racing, this just didn’t hit the mark. Hopefully, future projects will do a better job of telling these stories with the respect and depth they deserve.