A golden question that has been asked many times over the years is, when will we see female drivers return to Formula 1?
At this moment in time, it's almost impossible to say, but the idea has gone from a pipe dream to a goal many genuinely believe will unfold in the coming years.
Let's take a look at the history of women in F1 and how close we are to seeing a new era dawn on motorsport.
When did a woman last race in F1?
Since the inception of the World Championship for Drivers in 1950, five women have entered at least one Grand Prix but only two ever made it to the grid.
Lella Lombardi qualified for 12 races during her career and her appearance at the 1976 Austrian Grand Prix was the last time a woman competed in F1.
Maria Teresa de Filippis was the only other woman to qualify for an F1 Grand Prix, making three starts in 1958.
The last time a woman attempted to qualify for an F1 Grand Prix was Giovanna Amati in 1992. Since then, the top flight of single-seater racing has been dominated by male drivers.
Italian racing driver Lella Lombardi (1941 - 1992), UK, 30th September 1973. (Photo by Ronald Dumont/Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Will women race in F1 again?
Women will undoubtedly return to F1 in the future, it's just a matter of when that may be.
Recently, comments from F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali about the likelihood of women competing in the top echelon did the rounds.
The Italian said: "Realistically speaking, unless there is something like a meteorite, I don't see a girl coming into F1 in the next five years. That is very unlikely."
While his comments certainly could have been worded better, it does not reflect F1's overall stance on welcoming women back onto the grid.
SPA, BELGIUM - AUGUST 28: A general view as Race winner Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing, Second placed Sergio Perez of Mexico and Oracle Red Bull Racing and Third placed Carlos Sainz of Spain and Ferrari celebrate on the podium during the F1 Grand Prix of Belgium at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps on August 28, 2022 in Spa, Belgium. (Photo by Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images)
Domenicali himself is eager to start the process of integrating female drivers back into the top level of single-seater racing and even said earlier this year that he hopes to see this process come to fruition in the next ten years.
"We want to build up the right parameters with the right approach, step by step, for them to start to race against the guys at the right age and in the right car. That’s what we’re working on," he said.
Who could race in F1?
The landscape of women's motorsport is constantly changing and feeder Championships like W Series can take a lot of credit for that.
Since its inaugural season in 2019, W Series has catapulted some of the best female drivers on the planet into the spotlight.
Two-time champion Jamie Chadwick has quickly become a household name and she is now pushing for her next step up the ladder towards her F1 dream.
She admitted Domenicali's doubts over women racing in F1 in the next five years is motivation for her, and it hasn't altered her personal five-year plan.
Chadwick is a development driver for F1's Williams team, where she worked alongside compatriot and friend George Russell.
NORTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JULY 02: Race winner Jamie Chadwick of Great Britain and Jenner Racing (55) celebrates on the podium during the W Series Round 3 race at Silverstone on July 02, 2022 in Northampton, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
Similarly, 19-year-old driver Abbi Pulling also has a five-year F1 plan and believes she can accomplish it if she continues on her already impressive trajectory.
Pulling made her W Series debut last year and finished her rookie season in seventh place, automatically qualifying for the 2022 season.
In 10 races, the Brit has earned three podiums and recently took part in a Formula 3 testing event, which is crucial experience for young drivers looking to climb the ranks.
Pulling also earned five podium finishes during her time with Formula 4, which was sadly cut short due to lack of funding.
BARCELONA, SPAIN - MAY 21: Second placed Abbi Pulling of Great Britain and Racing X (49) celebrates on the podium during the W Series Round 2 race at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on May 21, 2022 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
You can read our exclusive interview with Abbi Pulling about her F1 dream here.
Colombian driver Tatiana Calderón also has a wealth of experience behind the wheel. She currently competes in the IndyCar Series and has previously competed in F3 and became the first woman to drive in Formula 2.
Calderon spent four years as a test driver for Alfa Romeo's F1 outfit and her two test sessions hugely helped her acclimatise to F2.
BARCELONA, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 19: Tatiana Calderon of Colombia and Alfa Romeo Racing looks on at the roll out of the Alfa Romeo Racing C39 Ferrari during day one of Formula 1 Winter Testing at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on February 19, 2020 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
There are many female drivers with masses of talent and potential just waiting to show they have what it takes to compete with the best in the world. Providing these women continue to get the backing they deserve, the F1 dream could be a lot closer than many think.