The womens only W Series has sparked debate on social media. Numerous figures have reacted, including Motor Sport’s editorial team

David Coulthard and Adrian Newey have put their names behind W Series, a new racing category hoping to ‘address the historical gender imbalance in motor sport.’

It will be free to enter, with fully-funded drives for those chosen to join the grid. A prize fund of $1.5million has been raised.

The overall champion will receive $500,000.

The series is expected to begin in 2019, with six rounds through the season. It will use the Tatuus Formula 3 chassis, powered by a 1.8-litre turbocharged engine.

Read the case against W Series, by Pippa Mann

Read the case for W Series, by Alice Powell

What a sad day for motorsport. Those with funding to help female racers are choosing to segregate them as opposed to supporting them. I am deeply disappointed to see such a historic step backwards take place in my life time. https://t.co/8ZrKqaADwx

— Pippa Mann (@PippaMann) October 10, 2018

Many divided opinions, but personally I feel that any additional opportunity to race is positive  As long as I can continue to live my dream and fulfil my ambition to race at the highest level of motorsport, then I’m happy! https://t.co/M5ceEGKe7G

— Jamie Chadwick (@JamieChadwick55) October 10, 2018

Experienced racer and @SauberF1Team Test Driver, @TataCalde talks rising female talent and #WSeries. https://t.co/z3eN068QzD #RethinkRacing pic.twitter.com/6fSquJCiCb

— W Series (@WSeriesRacing) October 10, 2018

Great big announcement. Big news for our sport. All the best to @therealdcf1 @TheBishF1 Adrian Newey and the W Series. Great opportunity for female aspiring racing drivers @D2BDofficial etc etc. #f1 https://t.co/gaeHb4rxgR

— Damon Hill (@HillF1) October 10, 2018

I agree with the arguments – but it totally disagree with the solution. Women need long term support and trustful partners. I want to compete with the best of our sport. Please compare it with economics: Do we need separate Women Management / Advisory Boards? No. Wrong way. https://t.co/91ThfcGJNX

— Sophia Floersch (@SophiaFloersch) October 10, 2018

I support initiatives designed to encourage women into @F1 but I don’t think segregation is the answer – surely equality is the goal we are pushing for #WeRaceAsEquals @JennieGow @elizabeth_werth @serenawilliams @WomenInMsport @PippaMann @D2BDofficial @ThisGirlCanUK pic.twitter.com/WOiKPKPaCT

— Charlie Martin (@GoCharlieM) October 10, 2018

Lots of good debate on the new WSeries. My initial instinct is that I’ve always hated whenever men assume (quite directly…) I’ve got where I am because I’m a woman.

— Holly (@hollywn) October 10, 2018

Notice some people have misunderstood the premise behind this series: message isn’t that women can’t compete with men. I believe it’s about creating a platform to encourage more women to race. Would be great for F1 grid to one day have a woman with Lewis or Max level of talent! https://t.co/C2XasK22Z6

— Karun Chandhok (@karunchandhok) October 10, 2018

I’ve won and been on the podium in every series I’ve raced in. So what’s stopping me reaching the very top?

Not my ability. It’s lack of Money.

Why waste money on a segregation? Invest in the already successful female racers that NEED the money. #MoneyMakingScheme #WSeries

— Abbie Eaton (@AbbieEaton44) October 10, 2018

“Female racing drivers” – simply a mirror of society, in my opinion. If we get more dad’s (ironic) bringing their girls karting, and not mostly boys, we’ll have girls making it to the for sure (I belive so). @WSeriesRacing hopefully accelerates the process of more girls racing

— alex wurz (@alex_wurz) October 10, 2018

This will divide opinion – but it really shouldn’t. Well done DC https://t.co/Ru4nuTxXok

— Joseph Dunn (@JoeDunn90) October 10, 2018