W Series introduces new team structure from this season
W Series is moving towards a new team structure for 2022, starting its transition this season with an unofficial championship, new liveries and team sponsors.
As part of the move, the series will debut an unofficial team championship in 2021, with the drivers each allocated to a team, with a new range of liveries also introduced.
Six of the teams will be run by new partners, including Bunker Racing, M. Forbes Motorsport, PUMA W Series Team, Racing X, Sirin Racing and Veloce Racing.
The remaining drivers will be assigned to W Series home team pairings – Ecurie W and Scuderia W.
There will also be a W Series Academy team, featuring two of the youngest talents on the grid, who will be guaranteed a seat for next year.
The championship will move to a full team structure with a grid of nine two-car teams for the 2022 season.
The 2021 W Series season starts at the Red Bull Ring this weekend in support of the Styrian Grand Prix.
Catherine Bond Muir, CEO
Photo by: Alexander Trienitz
Catherine Bond Muir, CEO of W Series, said: “In a short period of time we have made a mark in the sector for our disruptive and innovative approach.
"This new structure paves the way for significant new investment to supplement our current series sponsors, which supports our continued rapid growth and our partnership with Formula 1.”
2019 W Series championship winner, Jamie Chadwick, said: “This is brilliant news for drivers too.
"We learned so much about the cars and the tracks in 2019, but a teams set-up will take us to the next level - giving us great insight into what it’s like working closely with a team partner and racing with a team championship in mind rather than just for yourself.”
The 2021 W Series championship teams, driver numbers and pairings are:
Bunker Racing - Fabienne Wohlwend (5) and Sabre Cook (37)
M. Forbes Motorsport - Beitske Visser (95) and Ayla Agren (17)
Puma W Series Team - Marta Garcia (19) and Gosia Rdest (3)
Racing X - Alice Powell (27) and Jess Hawkins (21)
Sirin Racing - Miki Koyama (54) and Vicky Piria (11)
Veloce Racing - Jamie Chadwick (55) and Bruna Tomaselli (97)
Ecurie W - Emma Kimilainen (7) and Abbie Eaton (44)
Scuderia W - Sarah Moore (26) and Belen Garcia (22)
W Series Academy - Irina Sidorkova (51) and Nerea Marti (32)
W Series documentary series to be released on Sunday
Why W Series' champion is taking nothing for granted ahead of its return
The self-critical Alpine F1 junior who considers top F2 rookie status as “average”
The self-critical Alpine F1 junior who considers top F2 rookie status as “average” The self-critical Alpine F1 junior who considers top F2 rookie status as “average”
Pedrosa "doesn't miss racing very much" despite starring Misano MotoGP wildcard
Pedrosa "doesn't miss racing very much" despite starring Misano MotoGP wildcard Pedrosa "doesn't miss racing very much" despite starring Misano MotoGP wildcard
Ranking the 10 best drivers from F1's junior series in 2022
Ranking the 10 best drivers from F1's junior series in 2022 Ranking the 10 best drivers from F1's junior series in 2022
Blaney beats Harvick in photo finish for Talladega NASCAR playoff win
Blaney beats Harvick in photo finish for Talladega NASCAR playoff win Blaney beats Harvick in photo finish for Talladega NASCAR playoff win
Toyota joins WRC royalty with manufacturers' title three-peat
Toyota joins WRC royalty with manufacturers' title three-peat Toyota joins WRC royalty with manufacturers' title three-peat
WRC Chile: Tanak masterclass delivers victory for M-Sport
WRC Chile: Tanak masterclass delivers victory for M-Sport WRC Chile: Tanak masterclass delivers victory for M-Sport
Sims "surprised" to be leading 2023 IMSA standings with one race to go
Sims "surprised" to be leading 2023 IMSA standings with one race to go Sims "surprised" to be leading 2023 IMSA standings with one race to go
How Chadwick's u-turn poses big questions for W Series
How Chadwick's u-turn poses big questions for W Series How Chadwick's u-turn poses big questions for W Series
How W Series' standout star took the challenge to its champion
How W Series' standout star took the challenge to its champion How W Series' standout star took the challenge to its champion
How Chadwick’s second W Series title poses more questions than answers
How Chadwick’s second W Series title poses more questions than answers How Chadwick’s second W Series title poses more questions than answers
How W Series can confront its biggest enduring issue
How W Series can confront its biggest enduring issue How W Series can confront its biggest enduring issue
The nightmare season of a W Series title favourite
The nightmare season of a W Series title favourite The nightmare season of a W Series title favourite
The rational brain of W Series' outside title bet
The rational brain of W Series' outside title bet The rational brain of W Series' outside title bet
The comeback trail Brit making the most of a second chance
The comeback trail Brit making the most of a second chance The comeback trail Brit making the most of a second chance
Why W Series' champion is taking nothing for granted ahead of its return
Why W Series' champion is taking nothing for granted ahead of its return Why W Series' champion is taking nothing for granted ahead of its return
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.