W Series, the initial all-female single-seater championship and former support series to Formula 1, has called in administrators, ostensibly ending its last lingering hopes of being revived.
W Series was founded ahead of the 2019 season and, after not running in 2020 due to the pandemic, it returned in 2021 as a Formula 1 support series.
In 2022 it remained on Formula 1’s support bill but its season was curtailed prematurely, with the final three races axed, after promised investment failed to materialize.
Jamie Chadwick, now competing in Indy NXT, won all three titles.
On Thursday, nine months since its last race, Evelyn Partners LLP were appointed as joint administrators of the series. The majority of staff had either been made redundant, or left of their own accord, and the final member of staff has now been let go following the appointment of the administrators.
Henry Shinner of Evelyn Partners said in a statement that “all available options will be explored to allow the W Series to restart in the future. We are seeking expressions of interest in the business and assets of the company. We would ask that any interest is registered with us as quickly as possible.”
It is thought unlikely that the championship will be revived.
Last year, Formula 1 announced the formation of F1 Academy, for female drivers, and three rounds of the 2023 season have already taken place.
F1 Academy is expected to join Formula 1’s support bill from 2024.
