In the history of Formula One there have only ever been 5
female drivers:
·
Maria Teresa de Filippis born the 11th
of November 1926 in Italy. Filippis was
the first ever woman to race in Formula One. She took part in 5 races in 1958
but failed to score any championship points. She then went on to succeed in
other series. She only managed to finish 1 F1 race, Belgium 1958. In 1979 she
joined the International Club of Former Formula One Grand Prix Drivers where
she became president in 1997. She also founded the Maserati Club in 2004 where
she became Chairman.
·
Lella Lombardi (26th of March 1941- 3rd
March 1992) another Italian born female racer, who raced for one whole season
with Brabham. Lombardi is the only female F1 driver to ever score championship
points. She received points at the 1975 Spanish Grand Prix, were half point
were awarded as the race distance was shortened. Before F1 she has performed
well in Formula 3 and Formula 500, in the early 70’s. After her F1 carer she
races sports cars with successful results. In 1992 she lost her battle with
cancer, age 50.
·
Divina Galica born in England on the 13th
of August 1944. As well as being the only British female F1 driver she is also
the only racing driver who has competed in F1 as well as the Olympics. In 1964
she competed in the Innsbruck winter Olympics in Down Hill skiing and Slalom,
she was Captain of both female teams and finished in the top 10 in both events.
She would return to compete in the Olympics after her driving carer, taking
part in the Speed skating of the 1992 Great British winter Olympics.
Galica got the chance to race in F1 when Hesketh Racing offered he the opportunity to replace Rupert Keegan in 1978. She took part in 3 race weekends but failed to qualify on all 3 occasions. She then decided to take a shot at British Formula One Series in which between 1978 and 1980 she took part in 6 races, with one podium finish and 22 career points.
Galica got the chance to race in F1 when Hesketh Racing offered he the opportunity to replace Rupert Keegan in 1978. She took part in 3 race weekends but failed to qualify on all 3 occasions. She then decided to take a shot at British Formula One Series in which between 1978 and 1980 she took part in 6 races, with one podium finish and 22 career points.
·
Desiré Wilson born in South Africa on the 26th
of November 1953. She entered the Formula One world championship in 1980 with
non-works Williams FW07, she took part in one race weekend but failed to
qualify with in the 107% rule. She later took part in the South African GP as a
one off deal with Tyrrell Racing, she qualified 16th and after a bad
start she made her way back up through the field in the very wet conditions.
But when letting the leader past, she touched the wall and damaged her car and
forcing her to retire. After her short F1 career she competed in Indianapolis
500 in 1982, Le Mans 24 and American Open-Wheel racing.
She began her racing professionally in the Formula Abarth in 1981, wining several times before moving up to Formula 3 in 1986, where she continued to win. Amati signed a contract in 1992 with Brabham, an announcement that brought the team publicity. She took place in 3 races weekends but failed to qualify for every race. She was then sacked and replaced by Damon Hill. Amati then went on to win the 1993 Woman’s European Championship in the Porsche Super Cup. From 1994 to 1996 she raced in the Ferrari Challenge, where she had consistency and many wins. In 1999, she was placed 3rd over all in the Sports Racing World Cup Class Championship.
So, these are the only 5 female F1 drivers in history. In this sport dominated by men, who will be the next brave girl to show them we can race as well?