A female driver who wasn't up to the task buying her way into a race seat would be an embarrassment, and would do more harm than good to the plight of aspiring female racers. It's bad enough when men do it, but for a female it would just confirm the suspicions and prejudices of those who believe it's not possible.
Are there women who could compete at that level? Quite possibly, but it is true that women are, on average, less strong than men. If it is going to happen, please let it only be on merit, otherwise it will be a farce.
Bernie was just calling it as he sees it (for once) I reckon, and I don't find his comments particularly offensive (although I don't really get offended to be fair).