16 Apr 2013

British legend says women can't compete in F1

11:32 am on 16 April 2013

The British motor racing legend Stirling Moss does not believe women are mentally tough enough to compete in Formula One, despite the presence of female test drivers and team principals.

In an interview with the BBC 83-year-old Moss said he thinks women have the physicality, but he's not sure if they have the required mental skills to suceed in Formula One, and to race hard, wheel-to-wheel.

His comments were met with astonishment from Susie Wolff, who is a development driver for Williams and hoping to compete in Formula One.

Only five women have raced in Formula One and only one has scored a point.

Formula One's boss Bernie Ecclestone says there's no reason why women should not compete, but he says it's unlikely female drivers would be given a chance with a leading team.