Women in Formula 1 have written extraordinary pages in motorsport history, challenging stereotypes and taking on a traditionally male-dominated world.

The role of women in Formula 1: a challenge to time

Formula 1, with its gripping races and legendary drivers, is often perceived as a world dominated by men. However, female participation in the championship has deep roots dating back to the early days of competition. Although few have made it to the top level, women in Formula 1 have proven that talent and passion know no gender. This article aims to pay tribute to the female protagonists who have competed in the championship, inspiring future generations.

The roll of honor of the Grand Prix in Monza

Maria Teresa de Filippis: the pioneer of women in Formula 1

In 1958, Maria Teresa de Filippis became the first woman to compete in Formula 1. The Neapolitan driver debuted in a Maserati 250F, facing world-class opponents. Although her participations were limited, Maria Teresa proved that women could also compete at the highest level, defying prejudice and convention.
Her best result was a tenth place in the Belgian Grand Prix, an extraordinary achievement at the time. Despite the difficulties, her presence in the championship marked a historic moment, paving the way for future female participation.

Lella Lombardi: The Legend of the Half Point

Lella Lombardi is, to this day, the only woman to have won points in Formula 1. Born in Frugarolo in 1941, Maria Grazia “Lella” Lombardi began her career as a touring car and karting driver, reaching Formula 1 in 1974.
Her most iconic moment came in 1975 at the Spanish Grand Prix. Despite a dramatic race marked by a serious accident, Lella finished in sixth place, earning half a rainbow point. This result remains an undefeated record, a symbol of his talent and determination.
After Formula 1, Lella founded a racing stable, dedicating himself to the growth of new talent and consolidating his legacy in motorsport.

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Giovanna Amati: The Last Italian in Formula 1

Giovanna Amati was the last Italian woman to compete in Formula 1, in 1992 with the Brabham team. Born in Rome in 1959, her motorsport career had a difficult start, with a kidnapping interrupting her youth. Despite this, Amati made her way in the racing world, moving from Formula Abarth to Formula 3, before moving up to Formula 3000.
In 1991, after a test with Benetton, she got her chance in F1 with Brabham. Unfortunately, his inexperience and the team’s technical meltdown had negative repercussions, and in the first three GPs of the season he failed to qualify. This led to his replacement by Damon Hill.
Although his Formula 1 adventure was short-lived, Amati continued to race, winning the Porsche Women’s SuperCup in 1993 and participating in other competitions. Her career, unfortunately cut short prematurely, remains a symbol of determination and resilience in women’s motorsport.

The future of women in Formula 1

Despite the difficulties, the landscape is changing. Initiatives such as the W Series, a women-only championship that has paved the way for the visibility of female talent, are attracting attention. Added to this is the recently launched F1 Academy, a platform dedicated to supporting young female drivers with the goal of facilitating their access to the highest categories of motorsport.

Drivers like Jamie Chadwick ( 3-time W Series Champion ) are proving that women can compete at the highest level. The hope is that, in the near future, we will see a significant return of women to the Formula 1 grid, not only as drivers, but also as engineers, managers and technicians.

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