“ There have definitely been times where I have felt I needed to work twice as hard , the feedback that I have given wasn ’ t taken as seriously as others , or support that has only been surface deep . But all that does is make me more determined , so maybe in a way it ’ s helped shape the competitor I am today .”
British racing driver Catie Munnings drove for Andretti Altawkilat XE . She joined the team in its inaugural season and drove with Swedish driver Timmy Hansen .
“ I think it ’ s very hard to find opportunities in motorsport regardless of your gender for any young driver ,” Catie explains . “ It ’ s very expensive and it ’ s not a straightforward route to the top , but I think it ’ s definitely harder because you ’ re a girl .
“ I think the field is more used to seeing male drivers and there ’ s less women starting out in motorsports , so you have to have quite a strong backbone to see it through .”
Daniel says : “ As a young boy , it was easy for me to want to be Michael Schumacher , David Coulthard , Mikka Häkkinen or even Adrian Newey , but young girls of the same age didn ’ t have those relatable characters to engage them in our wonderful sport .
“ Through increased and successful female participation and promotion of that participation , you can see a tangible shift in the next generation . A prime example ? My niece ’ s hero is Jamie Chadwick .”
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