Patricia Valeri Kotaridis is helping reshape the voice of Formula One fandom, bringing fresh perspective and inclusivity to a sport long dominated by men, according to heraldsun.com.au
As co-host of the Melbourne-based podcast Paddock 43, Kotaridis-alongside Eleanor Baillieu-has built a platform that resonates with a diverse and rapidly growing audience. What began as a shared passion quickly evolved into a widely followed show at a time when female-led F1 content was rare.
“There actually was an immediate audience, which was pretty amazing. We were one of the only female F1 podcasts, especially in Australia,” Baillieu says. “A lot of people gravitated to us pretty quickly, which was an incredible thing. And we’ve got the most amazing community and audience now.”
For Kotaridis, the podcast’s success reflects a broader cultural shift. Today, their audience is nearly evenly split between men and women, reinforcing their belief that F1 spaces should be inclusive rather than segmented.
“Paddock 43 is female-led, but we never set out to be just for the girls. We are for everyone.”
Kotaridis has been part of conversations pushing the sport forward—not only by amplifying women’s voices but also by challenging outdated approaches to inclusion. The duo have openly criticised initiatives that isolate female audiences instead of integrating them into the wider F1 community.
Source: heradsun.com.au
