"You're not helping proper female racing drivers," Button tells Jorda
Thursday 13 December 2018 16:19, UK
Jenson Button has disagreed with Carmen Jorda's claims that female drivers should aim for Formula E instead of Formula 1 because it is less challenging, insisting that a "physical barrier" is not the problem.
Jorda, a former Lotus development driver who was appointed to the FIA's Women in Motorsport Commission last year, has backed an all-female world championship in the past and is adamant that women cannot compete equally with men.
Her most recent controversial comments revolved around Formula E ahead of the new season, with the Spaniard suggesting the cars are easier to drive for women.
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"It's a less physical car than in Formula 1 because of the downforce and because of the power steering as well," Jorda told ESPN. "The challenge that we women have in Formula 2 and Formula 1 is a physical issue and I think in Formula E, we won't have it.
"In my experience I can say Formula 1 - not all the other championships, karting, Formula Three, GT, I think women are capable of good results in all those series - in Formula 1 and Formula 2 there is a barrier that is a physical issue. I think there is a big issue for women and that's why there aren't any in those championships."
But not only have Jorda's claims sparked fresh debate across motorsport, she has also attracted criticism from Button.
The 2009 F1 world champion pointed to the fact that Danica Patrick has forged a fine career for herself in NASCAR, among other racing series, and said there was nothing physical holding women back.
"Oh Carmen, you're not helping proper female racing drivers with this comment," Button posted on Twitter.
"Ask Danica Patrick about being strong enough to drive a race car! She'd kick my butt in the gym & she's probably as strong as any driver on the F1 Grid right now.
"Physical barrier is not your issue Carmen."
Though Susie Wolff followed Jorda into the outskirts of Formula 1, competing in practice sessions for Williams in 2015 and 2016, there is currently only one female driver involved in the sport. Tatiana Calderon, who has yet to make her track debut, has earned a Sauber promotion to become their official test driver this season.
A woman hasn't appeared in an F1 race since Lella Lombardi at the 1976 Austrian GP.
But while Jorda faced criticism from leading female racing drivers after being brought onto the FIA commission - IndyCar racer Pippa Mann called it a "backwards step" - she insists she is focused on bringing more women into motorsport.
Simona de Silvestro was the last woman to race in Formula E in the 2014-2015 season with Andretti.
"Our objective is to get more women involved in motorsport because we want to make motorsport as accessible for women as all other sports," Jorda added.
"I think it's growing, there are more women involved in karting, in other aspects such as karting but as well as roles such as engineers, to not make it look like it's a male-dominated sport."
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