Top 5 Female Formula 1 Drivers to Compete in Grand Prix History

Women in Formula 1 have faced immense challenges and broken numerous barriers, leaving a lasting legacy in the male-dominated sport. This article delves into the careers of five trailblazing women who made their mark in Formula 1 history.

Maria Teresa de Filippis (1958 - 1959)

Maria Teresa de Filippis, the first woman to race in Formula 1, made her debut at the 1958 Belgian Grand Prix. Competing in five Grand Prix events, she managed to start in three, with her best result being a 10th-place finish in Belgium.

De Filippis began racing in 1948, inspired by a bet with her brothers. She quickly progressed through the Italian sports car championship, eventually joining Maserati as a works driver. Despite initial struggles, including not qualifying for the Monaco Grand Prix, she persevered. Her career ended abruptly in 1959 following the death of her team leader Jean Behra, a tragedy that deeply affected her.

Lella Lombardi (1974 - 1976)

Lella Lombardi is renowned as the only woman to score points in a Formula 1 race, achieving this milestone at the 1975 Spanish Grand Prix. Competing in 17 races and starting 12, she secured half a point after a shortened race in Spain. Lombardi started her racing career in karting and progressed through Formula Monza, Formula 3, and Formula 5000.

Joining March Engineering in 1975, she faced numerous challenges but showed resilience and skill. Post-F1, Lombardi found success in sports cars and endurance racing, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans. She retired in 1988 and founded her racing team, passing away in 1992 from breast cancer.

Divina Galica (1976 & 1978)

Divina Galica, a British skier who captained Team GB in the Winter Olympics, transitioned to motorsport with entries in Formula 1 in 1976 and 1978. Despite her athletic prowess, she struggled to qualify for races, participating in the British, Argentine, and Brazilian Grand Prix without starting.

Her notable achievement was being one of the few athletes to compete in both the Olympics and F1. Galica's motorsport career also included races in the Shellsport International Series and British Formula 1, though without major successes. Her dual-sport career remains a remarkable feat in the history of F1 and the Olympics.

Desire Wilson (1980)

Desire Wilson is a South African driver who made a single F1 entry at the 1980 British Grand Prix but failed to qualify. However, she holds the distinction of being the only woman to win a Formula 1 race variant, triumphing at the Brands Hatch race in the British Aurora F1 Championship.

Wilson's achievements extend beyond F1, as she also won the Monza 1000km and Silverstone 6 Hours World Championship for Makes races in 1980. Her success in these events marked significant milestones, demonstrating her exceptional driving skills and perseverance in a male-dominated sport.

Giovanna Amati (1992)

Giovanna Amati, the last woman to attempt Formula 1, entered three races in 1992 but did not qualify for any. Starting her career in Formula Abarth, she progressed to Formula 3 and Formula 3000 before being signed by the Brabham F1 team. Despite her determination, she struggled to secure a place on the grid and was eventually replaced by Damon Hill.

Post-F1, Amati found success in other racing disciplines, notably winning the Women's European Championship in 1993 and competing in the Ferrari Challenge from 1994 to 1996. Her career highlights the persistent challenges faced by women in top-tier motorsport.