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F1 as in Focused One

June 7, 2026 by
F1 as in Focused One
Woon

Today I watched my first Formula One race from start to finish. I never understood the fascination with racing, the noise, and going in laps repeatedly. I'm also cognisant of the large number of advertisers fighting for our adoration and cash, and find the amount of brand placements seriously dizzying. 

This being the 2026 Monaco Grand Prix and my daughter being a fan of Kimi Antonelli, it was worth a watch together. As the girls grow older and have new interests, I'm also choosing to be in the know - so that is learning chess since Erin started playing; and riding along with Kira's interest in F1. 

At 19 years old, Kimi, with Mercedes has now achieved five race wins, four pole positions, seven fastest laps, and nine podiums in Formula One. 12 months ago, he ended on this track in the last place, and today in first place, and became the youngest driver to achieve a Grand Slam, and the youngest winner of the Monaco Grand Prix. 

What impressed me most was that from the start, he maintained and widened his lead all the way. Even after 2 safety car episodes and a restart, 6 drivers were retired, 9 penalties were served (many due to speeding in the pit lane, also received by 2nd place winner Lewis Hamilton); Kimi was focused and came out top, so F1 represents "Focused One" for me.

I kept myself interested by also asking a lot of questions. Many were tolerated and answered by my family as they could. One fact that bothered me enough to do research after and share here revolves around how this sport/entertainment is totally male-dominated.
  •     Drivers: 100% male
  •     Technical/tracking roles: 95% male
  •     Team leadership: 100% male
Only 5 women have raced in F1 history over 75 seasons: Maria-Teresa de Filippis, Divina Galica, Desire Wilson, Giovanna Amati and Lella Lombardi. The latter was the last female racer starting an F1 Grand Prix and the year, 1976. 50 years ago. So, F1 has been this way since I was born. The women on the screen today were working in the hospitality suites and on the celebration stage as eye candy.

The historical barriers shared as to why F1 is male-dominated:
- Physical stereotypes: Traditional belief that women lack the strength for F1's physical demands
- Macho culture: "Macho world" with limited pathways for girls into racing and lack of infrastructure
- Financial barriers: Racing requires massive funding; women face harder access to sponsors

One key statistic is worth mentioning that involve females is - the fan base.  42% female audience and this grew from 32% in 2017 to 42% in 2023. Also, 3 out of 4 new enthusiasts are females. Of the 826 million global fans worldwide in 2025, 43% of fans under 35 years old (average age dropped from 45 to 32) and 51 million new fans under 35 in the past year alone.

The commercials and potential purchasing power of women doesn't go unnoticed by the business analysts. F1 is transforming from an "old, white, male" sport into a global entertainment franchise with 42% female fans, 43% under-35 demographics, and Gen Z icons like Kimi Antonelli driving digital engagement. While men still dominate every role (drivers, owners, pit crews), the trend is shifting toward diversity, youth, and accessibility, with advertisers targeting younger consumers' massive purchasing power through social media rather than traditional race viewing.

And don't get me started on how the F1 grid in 2026 consists of drivers from 18 nationalities, but only Hamilton represents non-white heritage.

I end her focusing on Kimi's exceptional win, which was to attract my daughter's interest in F1 to start with. 

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