Williams development driver Susie Wolff believes that a woman will be established in Formula One within the next decade.
The Scottish driver joined Williams earlier this year; she competes in the German touring car championship (DTM).
"I believe it will happen sooner rather than later," Wolff told BBC Sport. "Definitely within the next decade.
"There is prejudice in motorsport, but I think that is slowly changing and more females are coming through."
"It would just take a massive leap of faith for one of the teams to give a female a chance," she said. "Many people within F1 who would like to see it happen.
"Once the first female for some time gets into F1, then I think it will open up the possibilities for more to come through."
Five women have entered a Formula One race, with Lella Lombardi claiming half a point in 1975.
"I think it's very important that if a female makes it into F1, she must be there on merit or she's not going to last long," added Wolff. "You have to be good enough otherwise you're not going to stay there."
"I'm living the dream. It was always to be a successful racing driver." Wolff told BBC Sport. "The dream is F1. I'm on that path, part of Williams, and that's a dream come true. Now I'm pushing hard to see where the dream goes."
