\n<\/p>\n
Like many drivers, securing and maintaining a steady flow of money and sponsors is what Pulling cites as the main barrier to her progression.<\/p>\n
Despite the extra visibility the F1 Academy has given its drivers – with races held alongside F1 grands prix and broadcast live on Sky – Pulling says progress in securing financial backing has not necessarily made the same leaps.<\/p>\n
“It’s so hard to get, but it’s not just me that struggles,” she says, adding many male drivers fail to progress for financial reasons.<\/p>\n
“It’s becoming more and more a billionaire’s club and I think it’s quite sad. Because I think the focus on money ends up neglecting talent.”<\/p>\n
Despite financial setbacks, Pulling says she’s happy with her current trajectory, and points out there are now more opportunities for women than ever before.<\/p>\n
They include the F1 Academy,<\/a> the FIA Girls on Track<\/a> initiative, the all-female endurance race team the Iron Dames, and Formula E committing to offering testing opportunities for women.<\/p>\n “There’s such a positive atmosphere around women in motorsport,” says Pulling.<\/p>\n Asked whether her younger self would believe how far she’s come, she adds: “I think little eight-year-old me would have been absolutely gobsmacked.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n