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Formula One has long since been a sport dominated by men, but over the years, woman have steadily been making their mark - both in the paddock, and off track.

A Brief History of Women In F1

Maria Teresa de Filippis, the first female F1 driver.

Women have been involved in motorsports for decades, but their presence in F1 has been limited. The first female driver to race in a Formula One World Championship was Maria Teresa de Filippis, an Italian driver who competed in the 1950s.

Although she was unsuccessful in scoring any podium finishes, she made history as the first woman to race in a male-dominated sport.

After de Filippis, several women tried their luck in F1, including Lella Lombardi, who in 1975, became the first woman to score points in a World Championship race, finishing sixth at the Spanish Grand Prix. Yet, for many years, the sport remained largely a male sport, with few women breaking through.

Recent Steps Towards Gender Equality

The 2024 F1 Academy Grid

In the past decade, however, the landscape has started to shift - more women are being given opportunities in various F1 roles, and the doors are slowly opening for women to enter the sport in larger numbers.

While the number of women competing in the main sport - which is Formula One - is still small, there have been some incredible female drivers making waves in other categories.

Abbi Pulling

Abbi Pulling is a rising star in motorsport, known for her tenacity and skill on the track. She has made significant strides in junior categories like the W Series, and her determination and passion have earned her a sport in the GB3 series. Abbi is one of the young drivers representing the future of female talent in F1.

Alice Powell

Alice Powell, a former W series driver, now commentator and broadcaster, was one of, if not, the best during her run in the all-women’s series. She is also the coach and mentor to the current reigning W Series champion - Abbi Pulling.

Women And Engineering and Lead Roles

The opportunities for women in F1 are not limited to the driver’s seat. Women are making significant strides in engineering, technical roles, and team management, some of which are mentioned below.

Laura Mueller

As the newly appointed radio engineer for the Haas F1 Team in 2025, Laura Mueller is making waves in the traditionally male-dominated world of F1 engineering. Her appointment marks a significant milestone, as she becomes one of the few women to take on such a key technical role in the team.

Hannah Schmitz

Hannah Schmitz is a key figure at Red Bull Racing, serving as the team’s Strategy Director. Schmitz's leadership and expertise behind the scenes have earned her recognition, making her one of the most prominent women in Formula 1. Her ability to make critical calls under pressure has contributed to Red Bull's success on the track, solidifying her as a leading figure in the sport.

F1’s Engineering Workforce

More and more women are taking on technical roles at major F1 teams such as McLaren, Red Bull, Ferrari and Mercedes. These women are excelling in areas such as aerodynamics, strategy, car design and ensuring that the sport is not just about driving, but also innovation and teamwork.

Female Mentorship and Support Networks

One of the most exciting developments in F1 is the rise of mentorship programs and support networks aimed at helping young women pursue careers in motorsport. These initiatives focus on providing young girls with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to take on roles in F1.

Programs like the “Girls on Track” initiative, led by the FIA, are giving young women the opportunity to discover motorsport and take part in competitions. The program aims to create a path for young talent to reach the highest levels of motorsport, whether in racing or technical roles.