Criticism for Ecclestone over sexist statements: 'Make them feel welcome'

It has been a long time since a woman drove in Formula 1. This season marks the 45th consecutive time that no female driver has competed in a Grand Prix. Danica Patrick, former IndyCar and NASCAR driver, thinks she knows why and Bernie Ecclestone got a kick out of it too.

The last woman to lead a Grand Prix was Lella Lombardi in 1976. Since then there hasn't been a female driver in Formula 1. Patrick thinks this is because women are less accepted and welcomed in European motorsport compared to the United States. This is partly due to the negative comments of people like Ecclestone, because they make women feel even less welcome in the sport.

"I always felt that Europe was less advanced when we look at gender dynamics. I felt much more welcome in the United States. I felt like people were happy that I was there, it wasn't like that over there. Maybe that's part of the reason why you don't see women coming and going on the Formula One ladder," said the American at Motorsport.com.

The former driver is especially not happy about the comment Ecclestone made after her good results in her debut year in IndyCar. He said of her, "women should dress in white, just like all other household appliances." According to her, statements like that are incredibly disheartening and he should instead be welcoming women into the sport. "Saying nice things can make people feel welcome."