Formula 1 has always been a male-dominated sport. Yet, despite the immense challenges and barriers, there have been women who entered the F1 scene unapologetically. Their journeys are stories of courage, determination, and incredible mental strength that led them to defy all odds. This article explores the careers of the only 5 women who entered the F1 scene to date.
5 Women Who Entered The F1 Scene
1. Maria Teresa de Filippis
Maria Teresa de Filippis was the first woman to compete in F1, making her debut in 1958. Born in Naples in 1926, she began racing in 1948 and quickly rose through the ranks. Her F1 debut was at the Monaco Grand Prix, where she failed to qualify, but she succeeded in starting the Belgian Grand Prix, finishing 10th, making her among the few women who entered the F1 scene.
She entered five Grand Prix and started three races before retiring in 1959, partly influenced by the deaths of fellow drivers and the male-dominated environment. She later became the vice-president of the International Club of Former F1 Grand Prix Drivers.
2. Lella Lombardi
Lella Lombardi holds the record for the most F1 race starts by a woman, with 12 starts from 17 entries between 1974-76. The Italian driver is also the only woman to score points in a Formula 1 World Championship race, earning half a point at the Spanish Grand Prix in 1975.
She raced for teams like March and Frank Williams Racing Cars. Despite her undeniable talent, she retired drones the sport after facing limited opportunities. Nevertheless, she is among the only 5 women who entered the F1 scene.
3. Divina Galica
Divina Galica was a four-time Olympian in alpine skiing before transitioning to racing. She attempted to qualify for three F1 races in 1976 and 1978 but never made it to the starting grid. Her dual sports career came in the way of her F1 brilliance; however, she continued racing in other series but never got a seat in F1. Nonetheless, she became one of the few women who entered the F1 scene.
4. Desiré Wilson
Desiré Wilson is notable for being the only woman to win an F1 race of any kind. She won a non-championship round of the British Aurora F1 Championship in 1980. She entered one World Championship Grand Prix in 1980 with a non-works Williams but did not qualify for the race, but she became one of the women who entered the F1 scene.
5. Giovanna Amati
Giovanna Amati was the last and one of the very few women who entered the F1 World Championship race. She attempted to qualify for three Grand Prix in 1992 with Brabham. Despite her prior success in lower formulas, she failed to qualify for any of the races due to the competitive Brabham car. She retired from the F1 after these unsuccessful attempts, marking the end of female participation in F1.
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