Sophia Flörsch, a female competitor in the male-dominated FIA Formula 3 series, has openly criticised seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton over his latest comments on diversity in Formula 1.
The 24-year-old German driver, who has been vocal about the struggles of female racers, recently accused Formula 1 of "pinkwashing" with its all-female F1 Academy series. Flörsch criticised the system that led Marta Garcia, the inaugural F1 Academy champion, to end her open-wheeler career due to a lack of funding.
"It looks like they used you (in) 2023 for short term marketing with female drivers," Flörsch told Garcia in a recent social media post.
Just over a week ago, Formula 1 announced the signing of a formal 'Diversity and Inclusion charter' involving all ten teams, the FIA, and Hamilton's charity Mission 44. The initiative aims to create a more inclusive motorsport environment.
When asked about his dream F1 driver lineup in the last few days, Hamilton suggested Mercedes juniors Kenzo Craigie, a black British karting talent, and Doriane Pin, a top F1 Academy driver.
"If I was to make a team, maybe one day I will, it will be diverse from the beginning," Hamilton stated.
Flörsch, however, responded sharply on X, posting: "Put your money where your mouth is!"
Her comment drew a defensive response from black Red Bull Racing mechanic Calum Nicholas, who highlighted Hamilton's significant contributions to promoting diversity in motorsport.
"Lewis has poured more money and time into championing underrepresented groups than anyone in the history of our sport," Nicholas said. "The Hamilton Commission was a game-changer, and without it, we likely wouldn't have many of the programs working to break down the barriers to entry into racing.
"Why would you want to antagonise people that are already on your side?"
