David Coulthard admits that best female drivers must be able to beat the "best"

He did, however, add that they must be good enough to beat top drivers like Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen.

Since 1950, when the F1 world championship came in, only five women have attempted to qualify for a Grand Prix.

Two female drivers have been on the grid before, Maria Teresa de Filippis and Lella Lombardi, who finished in the points at the Spanish Grand Prix in 1975.

The Scotsman feels that a female should only be given an opportunity in F1 if they're good enough to compete with the very best drivers.

"We’ve put a big spotlight on the female talent that’s out there right now, and I think there are a few of the competitors who are capable of driving in Formula 1," said the 13-time Grand Prix winner, answering questions recently in an F1 Fan Voice Q&A.

"Is being capable enough, or are you looking for a Lewis, a Max, a Charles?

"You’re looking for the female equivalent of them, because unless you’re as good as a Lewis, a Max, a Charles etc. you’re not going to beat them."