782 drivers started a GRAND PRIX and a further 132 attempted to qualify. Amongst these 916, 5 have been female racers. A tiny fraction, 0.5%. Neapolitan Maria Teresa de Filippis became the first woman to compete in 1958 and finished 10th as best result. A rapid sequence of accidents, where she lost dear friends, made her retire from racing though. It wasn't until 1974 that a lady was back on stage, and it has been the most successful to date: Lella Lombardi, from northern Italy. Despite not qualifying at her sole appearence that year, 1975 saw her talent shine, starting 10 of the 12 events she took part in.
At the SPANISH GRAND PRIX, Lombardi entered the history books. Starting at the back of the grid, she made her way up to 6th. Sadly, the race was funested with Rolf Stommelen's crash, where four spectators died. Already before the start, the city circuit's safety, in particular the guard rails, were in doubt. Therefore, all but two drivers boycotted the practice session. Nevertheless, all but one presented them at the start on Sunday. It was on lap 25 when Stommelen's car flew over the guard rail after a first impact, causing the tragedy and breaking his legs in the event. The race was stopped 4 laps later and not restarted, meaning less than 75% of the distance had been completed. So, half points were inaugurally awarded in FORMULA 1. Lombardi's point for P6 became half a point, the single score by a woman in the sport to date.
Later that season, a fine P7 on the treacherous Nürburgring was her final Top 10-result. She stepped away in 1976 with two further starts. The same year, Brit Divina Galica (two-time bronze medalist in the ALPINE SKI WORLD CUP) became the third female driver, unsuccessfully attempting the BRITISH GRAND PRIX. She tried again at the opening two rounds 1978, failing to make it on the starting grid again however. In 1980, Desiré Wilson had a go at Silverstone as well, with the same outcome. The South African actually took part in her home race in 1981, but the event was deemed not valid due to the intense ongoing FISA-FOCA dispute. Giovanna Amati, who had a short run of vain qualyfing efforts, is the last woman trying to compete in the pinnacle of motorsport as of the start of the 2026 season.
Further have tested for or joined a FORMULA 1 team, namely (by surname): Fisher, Legge, de Villota, De Silvestro, Jordá, Chadwick, Calderón, Hawkins. Susie Wolff belongs to the list too, driving a Williams in four official Free Practice sessions across 2014 and 2015, and ultimately becoming managing director of F1 ACADEMY, the all female support series to FORMULA 1. The aim is to help young racing drivers progress in motorsport, eventually leading to a path in F1. Doriane Pin, 2025 champion is currently a Mercedes Development Driver and who knows, when a lady will light up the stage next...