Following speculations that the championship was struggling for funding, W Series has confirmed that the remainder of the 2022 season will not go ahead. 

This means that Jamie Chadwick has been confirmed as a three time champion, 50 points ahead of Beitske Visser. She dominated the 2022 season by taking six out of eight wins and finishing on the podium for all races but one. 

Speaking on social media following the confirmation:

“Firstly I want to thank W Series for the opportunity they have given me. It’s been life changing and I am so grateful to everyone that has been involved and supported me to this point. We all wanted to finish this season on track but I am very proud to be a 3x Champion”. 

Reports surrounding the issue of funding have been circulating since the last round in Singapore. The cancellation of the remainder of the season means that W Series will not race in the US, nor  in Mexico where they were due to support Formula 1. 

The CEO of W Series, Catherine Bond Muir, has affirmed that the decision was made for the best reasons, despite it being difficult. Fundraising for the 2023 season can be made earlier, hopefully securing the long-term future of the championship. 

“While we are all incredibly disappointed that this decision has had to be made in the short term, we remain positive about the future of W Series in the long term” – Bond Muir. 

Also in her statement on the W Series website, she refers to a wider and deeply concerning issue involving gender inequality in motorsport:

“It is well-documented that women’s sports receive far less funding than its male counterparts, and W Series is no exception”. 

As fans, we’re all disappointed with the news but wish all of the drivers the best going forward. There is a lot of talent on the 2022 W Series grid and hopefully the sport can still continue its growth, as well as the drivers.