Gentle reminder that despite a lot of criticism around the Saudi Arabian grand prix & F1 stating they were going out of their way to ensure all paddock members would feel safe
F1 hadn't even considered that female journalists would essentially be confined to their Hotel room after work unable to use hotel Facilities.
and it wasn't even F1 who fixed it, it was Lewis Hamilton who just by chance sat next to The Times F1 journalist Rebecca Clancy at a dinner party who told him that woman were unable to use the facilities
**Rebecca Clancy:**
*“I did mention that I was heading to Saudi Arabia the next day and was slightly hesitant about it because at the media hotel women weren’t allowed to use the pool or the gym. The next day, an email was sent to all media which said women would have the same access to the hotel facilities as men.* ***Hamilton had had a word"***
For our honeymoon we went to Malaysia.
My wife was all into other cultures, soaking it up etc, then the hotel in the conservative north wouldn't let her use the gym, *unless I gave them permission to allow her*.
> unless I gave them permission to allow her.
It used to be better, but islam gonna islam.
> Until the 1970s, many Malay Muslims lived a liberal and moderate Islam, like Indonesian Muslims. At this time, a wave of Islamisation emerged (sparked by various social and ethnic conflicts, linked to the Al-Arqam parties and Islam Se-Malaysia), so that today, Malaysia lives in a more Islamic environment compared to the earlier years. Malays, who represent 50.4% of the total population, are almost all Muslims. About 70% of Malay Muslims wear headscarves, while their port was marginal until the 1980s.
Similar to Iran around then (more secular/"modernizing" reforms of the White "Revolution" in the 60s - though rule under the Shah was still not democratic - before the Islamic Iranian Revolution in the 70s)
Let's not pretend like it's got anything to do with Islam specifically, just far-right religious extremism in general. I'm willing to bet that a significant portion of conservative christians in America wouldn't argue against a similar system being put in place.
I fear for the future of diversity in F1 after Lewis retires. Seb is already out! These two were the only one who were actively trying to bring about a change but after Lewis also retires it doesn't seem like there is anyone who will take their place!
I think Russell will/is taking on the mantle of safety in the sport, so not quite a social/political issue, but still an outspoken leader as an important voice on an important topic.
Albon is extremely well spoken and think he's earned a decent amount of security in his time with Williams, think he'd be a good "champion of the people" if he ever decided to take on that mantle. Max has the platform but not the patience for the media but could definitely get things done behind closed doors
I haven't followed Albon closely but it'd be really amazing if he could try and be vocal about issues. These youngsters together have a platform to bring about a change, use this fame for good. As for Max, I don't think he cares about the issues enough to do something about it. Only time will tell, I guess
Here's hoping. Charles did say in his recent interview that he admires how Lewis has used his platform to become a more significant figure than just a driver.
Unfortunately, sometimes it's people who do have daughters, wives, sisters, aunts, grandma's who do this. The shit that women go through is most definitely inflicted by those men so they don't see it as abuse.
Lot of people might not know that Laura is a domestic abuse survivor - [she was assaulted on this very day (International Women's Day) in 2019 by her then partner](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/07/laura-winter-domestic-abuse-does-not-discriminate#:~:text=%E2%80%9CDomestic%20abuse%20does%20not%20discriminate,%2C%20who%20aren't%20believed.) Since then she's came forward with her story and campaigned for Women's Aid. All round good egg she is.
She is wonderful. She is also a survivor of domestic violence. It is great to see her stand up and speak out for women everywhere.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/07/laura-winter-domestic-abuse-does-not-discriminate
Very well spoken glad she was given the freedom to speak since we have all gotten use to the generic pr statements in f1.
It was a good race and can’t wait to see the season unfold.
Laura doesn't know much about F1. She's by far the least knowledgeable and insightful member of the F1 TV team. A claim that she's one best female journalists is insulting at best.
Being an expert on F1 is not the job description of every journalist on the F1 broadcast. They have people as part of the broadcast team who fulfill the personal experience as F1 driver knowledge and expertise, but often those people aren't as good at communicating, leading a live broadcast, cutting in and out between various interviews, shots etc, which is why they need people who are more experienced media presenters/broadcasters. In saying that I think Laura is very insightful, she usually conducts really good interviews and manages to make them fun and engaging while still asking the required questions.
I firmly disagree. She's well spoken, but so is pretty much everyone else on the F1 TV and Sky teams. I find her interviews to be quite tedious, because she never comes up with any interesting questions, again because she lacks any actual F1 knowledge.
Watch the post qualifying interview from today. Laura was as usual droning about nothing for a while, asking Drugovic the most generic questions possible. Then Julien Simon-Chautemps comes on, immediately offers some insightful observations about Alpine's tire deg.
Not long ago I remember there being debates about whether or not grid girls have a place in F1. That being said, we still have a lot more to do as illustrated by recent events.
Very well phrased!
The first race of F1 Academy was actually very exciting, big up to all the drivers and Susie for pulling this off, in Saudi no less.
A very Happy Women's Day to all women and especially in motorsports, it is not the most inclusive, hopefully that all changes for the better :)
This made me wonder if maybe "sportswashing" could go the other way - and somehow actually have a positive (or subtly provocative) impact on these places, especially with drivers like Hamda al Qubaisi (though she is Emerati, and despite its other issues, UAE has made more progress on women's rights than some of its neighbors like SA. But having a driver like her certainly helps that message if their, and F1A's, efforts are sincere - just imagine young girls there seeing that she races in a Formula series! With their own race in Abu Dhabi (and it's significance as the final round), it's sure to be more in the public eye/mind than if F1 was just outta sight, outta mind of those countries entirely.
Probably too optimistic, but an interesting idea.
Edit: just saw Reema Juffali is in F1A and is Saudi Arabian
Several times the last week when F1A or the complaint at Redbull are brought up, it became quite clear to me that there is a contingent of fans, not a small one and not a majority, that genuinely do not view women as equals. It's always quite a whiplash seeing misogynistic comments and remembering that.
Thank you. There have been times on this forum where I have been made to feel quite clearly that I'm not welcome in F1, as a new fan, a woman, and an American woman at that. It's not just in the paddock and motorsport workplaces.
Unfortunately for them, it just made it clearer to me I need to stick around and not be so scared of their downvotes.
I know it's not much of a consolation, but when I feel the same, I always try to remind myself how much more male F1 Reddit's audience skews compared to other online F1 spaces and the F1 fanbase in it's entirety. Recent surveys show that 40% of F1 viewership is now female and is still continuing to grow. Women are most definitely here to stay within F1 and hearing Laura's words about it was genuinely touching with everything else going on currently.
There are plenty on here that wouldn’t even be happy if it was just them and their ilk screaming into the void. Then there are some that are just plain ignorant to what it’s like to not be a man or a minority.
As with all internet places now, block the knuckledraggers, engage with the ignorant and laugh with the open minded. Its how I stay sane lol
I fit your same demographic (well, mostly; I’ve been a race fan for some time now, but am only somewhat recently introduced to F1, am female, and American). I frequently feel like I’m talking into a void here, but I find that common on Reddit in general.
As a female American into F1, none of my friends or family even think about racing, let alone F1. It makes for a rather lonely experience. I go by myself to IndyCar when it comes to town, too. 😂
It doesn’t get called out enough I feel. Sure it may not change that persons mind but it may stop others if it becomes common to call out and shut down those types of people.
I always think of the Nazi bar analogy. If you just ignore them others think they are welcomed here. It’s time they are shown the door and GTFO.
I absolutely agree. I have felt a real chill at the attitudes expressed surrounding all the Horner news. Knowing so many fellow fans see women this way is chilling.
Unfortunately, not many people are willing to change. What we see happening, when there is a global shift, is usually due to old mentality literally dying with its owners and give space to more open new generations. I don’t want to say that everyone is stuck with their ideas, but I’ve seen very few change for good.
Beautifully put, and just further underscores the attributes and qualities that make people in Motorsport great and successful. Teamwork, determination, mutual respect, and fairness. Leave Red Bull to wither and rot in the limelight they’ve made for themselves.
What a shame that equality and diversity in F1 has taken a very public hit in recent weeks with all the commotion of everything Horner related leading up to the suspension of the lady working at RB.
As my Grandmother used to always say:
"Common sense isn't very common at all"
She was right.
Gentle reminder that despite a lot of criticism around the Saudi Arabian grand prix & F1 stating they were going out of their way to ensure all paddock members would feel safe F1 hadn't even considered that female journalists would essentially be confined to their Hotel room after work unable to use hotel Facilities. and it wasn't even F1 who fixed it, it was Lewis Hamilton who just by chance sat next to The Times F1 journalist Rebecca Clancy at a dinner party who told him that woman were unable to use the facilities **Rebecca Clancy:** *“I did mention that I was heading to Saudi Arabia the next day and was slightly hesitant about it because at the media hotel women weren’t allowed to use the pool or the gym. The next day, an email was sent to all media which said women would have the same access to the hotel facilities as men.* ***Hamilton had had a word"***
For our honeymoon we went to Malaysia. My wife was all into other cultures, soaking it up etc, then the hotel in the conservative north wouldn't let her use the gym, *unless I gave them permission to allow her*.
> unless I gave them permission to allow her. It used to be better, but islam gonna islam. > Until the 1970s, many Malay Muslims lived a liberal and moderate Islam, like Indonesian Muslims. At this time, a wave of Islamisation emerged (sparked by various social and ethnic conflicts, linked to the Al-Arqam parties and Islam Se-Malaysia), so that today, Malaysia lives in a more Islamic environment compared to the earlier years. Malays, who represent 50.4% of the total population, are almost all Muslims. About 70% of Malay Muslims wear headscarves, while their port was marginal until the 1980s.
Similar to Iran around then (more secular/"modernizing" reforms of the White "Revolution" in the 60s - though rule under the Shah was still not democratic - before the Islamic Iranian Revolution in the 70s)
Where is this from? What are you quoting ?
highlight+google is not hard.
Let's not pretend like it's got anything to do with Islam specifically, just far-right religious extremism in general. I'm willing to bet that a significant portion of conservative christians in America wouldn't argue against a similar system being put in place.
> Let's not pretend like it's got anything to do with Islam specifically No pretending here.
This actually happened in 2021 so before the first race they had in Saudi
the article made it seem like it was last year i will edit my comment
Common Lewis W.
Like how Lewis has got to mob boss level of influence in F1 'Hamilton had a word'
it's insane really. Will be a big big loss if Lewis ever truly leaves the sport.
Hopefully when he retires from driving he stays involved in some capacity. He just seems like an all round stand up guy
He definitely will. He will have an advisory role in Ferrari.
Had had.
Man this is so fucking badass
I fear for the future of diversity in F1 after Lewis retires. Seb is already out! These two were the only one who were actively trying to bring about a change but after Lewis also retires it doesn't seem like there is anyone who will take their place!
I think Russell will/is taking on the mantle of safety in the sport, so not quite a social/political issue, but still an outspoken leader as an important voice on an important topic.
Russell's been chairman of the GPDA since 21, aka F1s driver union lol, so he's definitely been involved on that front.
Albon is extremely well spoken and think he's earned a decent amount of security in his time with Williams, think he'd be a good "champion of the people" if he ever decided to take on that mantle. Max has the platform but not the patience for the media but could definitely get things done behind closed doors
I haven't followed Albon closely but it'd be really amazing if he could try and be vocal about issues. These youngsters together have a platform to bring about a change, use this fame for good. As for Max, I don't think he cares about the issues enough to do something about it. Only time will tell, I guess
Lewis needs a padawan. Maybe Charles can become that in the coming years? Would love to see that
Here's hoping. Charles did say in his recent interview that he admires how Lewis has used his platform to become a more significant figure than just a driver.
Also just a smart decision financially to be fair
That would be lovely if Charles takes over from Lewis!
Sometimes I think the people that complain about Lewis here just don´t have daughters to realize what shit they go through.
Or ever talked to a woman, ever, about running. If not, do.
Or talked to a woman, ever, about existing.
Unfortunately, sometimes it's people who do have daughters, wives, sisters, aunts, grandma's who do this. The shit that women go through is most definitely inflicted by those men so they don't see it as abuse.
Lot of people might not know that Laura is a domestic abuse survivor - [she was assaulted on this very day (International Women's Day) in 2019 by her then partner](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/07/laura-winter-domestic-abuse-does-not-discriminate#:~:text=%E2%80%9CDomestic%20abuse%20does%20not%20discriminate,%2C%20who%20aren't%20believed.) Since then she's came forward with her story and campaigned for Women's Aid. All round good egg she is.
Laura is a class act, and this was very well articulated.
Agreed.
That's really well put by Laura, she's one of the best women journalist on F1 PADDOCK, she went all in with the statement.
She is wonderful. She is also a survivor of domestic violence. It is great to see her stand up and speak out for women everywhere. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/07/laura-winter-domestic-abuse-does-not-discriminate
Very well spoken glad she was given the freedom to speak since we have all gotten use to the generic pr statements in f1. It was a good race and can’t wait to see the season unfold.
I wish DTS had brought her in as a new commentator rather than Danica. She always comes across very sharp and charismatic.
I would have taken an empty chair they just cut to several times over Danica.
She’s so much more deserving than Danica.
Imo she's one of the best journalists period. Takes things seriously but still has fun.
Came here to say something similar. Thanks
Laura doesn't know much about F1. She's by far the least knowledgeable and insightful member of the F1 TV team. A claim that she's one best female journalists is insulting at best.
Being an expert on F1 is not the job description of every journalist on the F1 broadcast. They have people as part of the broadcast team who fulfill the personal experience as F1 driver knowledge and expertise, but often those people aren't as good at communicating, leading a live broadcast, cutting in and out between various interviews, shots etc, which is why they need people who are more experienced media presenters/broadcasters. In saying that I think Laura is very insightful, she usually conducts really good interviews and manages to make them fun and engaging while still asking the required questions.
I firmly disagree. She's well spoken, but so is pretty much everyone else on the F1 TV and Sky teams. I find her interviews to be quite tedious, because she never comes up with any interesting questions, again because she lacks any actual F1 knowledge. Watch the post qualifying interview from today. Laura was as usual droning about nothing for a while, asking Drugovic the most generic questions possible. Then Julien Simon-Chautemps comes on, immediately offers some insightful observations about Alpine's tire deg.
Especially appreciate the last bit. Women are indeed here to stay in motorsport, and it's great news.
Yes I am a bit touched by that
Same
Not ashamed to admit I teared up at that bit.
Well done. Didnt pull any punches front to back.
Fuck yeah. It was good to see her pull out the steel chair given the absolute shitshow going on rn
That was great and well-said. Thanks to OP for sharing. Thanks to Laura for being awesome.
Not long ago I remember there being debates about whether or not grid girls have a place in F1. That being said, we still have a lot more to do as illustrated by recent events.
Why can't we have grid boys? Why not have sexy men promoting F1 in tiny shorts?
Awesome Laura! And this is still very needed, especially after some of the recent comments we saw on the F1 acedemy drivers and the CH saga.
Very well phrased! The first race of F1 Academy was actually very exciting, big up to all the drivers and Susie for pulling this off, in Saudi no less. A very Happy Women's Day to all women and especially in motorsports, it is not the most inclusive, hopefully that all changes for the better :)
Do we know if they purposely chose women's day for the first race or if that's just a neat coincidence?
That and also choosing Saudi for the first race.
This made me wonder if maybe "sportswashing" could go the other way - and somehow actually have a positive (or subtly provocative) impact on these places, especially with drivers like Hamda al Qubaisi (though she is Emerati, and despite its other issues, UAE has made more progress on women's rights than some of its neighbors like SA. But having a driver like her certainly helps that message if their, and F1A's, efforts are sincere - just imagine young girls there seeing that she races in a Formula series! With their own race in Abu Dhabi (and it's significance as the final round), it's sure to be more in the public eye/mind than if F1 was just outta sight, outta mind of those countries entirely. Probably too optimistic, but an interesting idea. Edit: just saw Reema Juffali is in F1A and is Saudi Arabian
Laura Winter is a pure gift to the F1 community. One of the best.
Several times the last week when F1A or the complaint at Redbull are brought up, it became quite clear to me that there is a contingent of fans, not a small one and not a majority, that genuinely do not view women as equals. It's always quite a whiplash seeing misogynistic comments and remembering that.
Thank you. There have been times on this forum where I have been made to feel quite clearly that I'm not welcome in F1, as a new fan, a woman, and an American woman at that. It's not just in the paddock and motorsport workplaces. Unfortunately for them, it just made it clearer to me I need to stick around and not be so scared of their downvotes.
Even in this post there are microaggressions trying to be spun as positive. It’s exhausting.
I know it's not much of a consolation, but when I feel the same, I always try to remind myself how much more male F1 Reddit's audience skews compared to other online F1 spaces and the F1 fanbase in it's entirety. Recent surveys show that 40% of F1 viewership is now female and is still continuing to grow. Women are most definitely here to stay within F1 and hearing Laura's words about it was genuinely touching with everything else going on currently.
There are plenty on here that wouldn’t even be happy if it was just them and their ilk screaming into the void. Then there are some that are just plain ignorant to what it’s like to not be a man or a minority. As with all internet places now, block the knuckledraggers, engage with the ignorant and laugh with the open minded. Its how I stay sane lol
I fit your same demographic (well, mostly; I’ve been a race fan for some time now, but am only somewhat recently introduced to F1, am female, and American). I frequently feel like I’m talking into a void here, but I find that common on Reddit in general. As a female American into F1, none of my friends or family even think about racing, let alone F1. It makes for a rather lonely experience. I go by myself to IndyCar when it comes to town, too. 😂
It doesn’t get called out enough I feel. Sure it may not change that persons mind but it may stop others if it becomes common to call out and shut down those types of people. I always think of the Nazi bar analogy. If you just ignore them others think they are welcomed here. It’s time they are shown the door and GTFO.
I absolutely agree. I have felt a real chill at the attitudes expressed surrounding all the Horner news. Knowing so many fellow fans see women this way is chilling.
Unfortunately, not many people are willing to change. What we see happening, when there is a global shift, is usually due to old mentality literally dying with its owners and give space to more open new generations. I don’t want to say that everyone is stuck with their ideas, but I’ve seen very few change for good.
Yeah, it's incredibly disgusting.
I particularly enjoy that an absolutely scything comment was delivered with a smile. Killer.
Laura is great, I love how she stands up to her male counterparts in F1TV and makes her voice heard without hesitance. Class act
Beautifully put, and just further underscores the attributes and qualities that make people in Motorsport great and successful. Teamwork, determination, mutual respect, and fairness. Leave Red Bull to wither and rot in the limelight they’ve made for themselves.
Here here
Where? (It's hear hear)
Lol. Blame blessed autocorrect on le mobile...
Very well spoken by Laura.. love watching her on F1TV!!
Thank you Laura! Lovely words.
Very well said! F1 deserves women. F1 does not deserve Horner.
So long for the “innocent until proved guilty” eh…
Laura is the best.
This is fantastic. And bold of her to say. Felt unscripted and genuine
What a shame that equality and diversity in F1 has taken a very public hit in recent weeks with all the commotion of everything Horner related leading up to the suspension of the lady working at RB. As my Grandmother used to always say: "Common sense isn't very common at all" She was right.
wholesome
preach
I love Laura!