Despite being dominated by men for decades, women have been breaking barriers and making history in Formula 1 (F1) in recent years. With the introduction of the FIA Women in Motorsport Commission in 2009, as well as the increased diversity and inclusion initiatives, more women are taking steps towards achieving their dreams in the male-dominated sport.
One of the most notable female drivers in F1 history is Lella Lombardi. She was the first woman to score points in F1, finishing sixth in the Spanish Grand Prix in 1975. Lombardi participated in 12 races throughout her career and was one of the few women who made it to a podium finish in the European Formula Two Championship.
More recently, Susie Wolff made headlines for becoming the first female driver to participate in a Formula 1 race weekend in 22 years. She served as a development driver for Williams in 2012 before being promoted to a test driver role in 2015. In 2014, Wolff was the first woman to take part in a race weekend session since Lombardi in 1976. She retired from racing after the 2015 season but continues to serve as a team principal in the Extreme E championship.
Another woman making waves in the sport is Tatiana Calderon. Currently, the Alfa Romeo Racing F1 Team Test Driver, she has broken several barriers throughout her racing career. Calderon is the first female driver to race in Formula Two, formerly known as GP2, and has participated in multiple Formula One test sessions. Despite facing several challenges, including being held back by traditional gender biases, Calderon has persevered and continues to make progress in the sport.
In addition to drivers, women are also making strides in other roles in F1. Claire Williams served as the deputy team principal for Williams Grand Prix Engineering, one of the most successful teams in the history of the sport. She became the first female team principal in F1 when she took over the team from her father in 2013.
Another successful woman in F1 is Michelle Mouton. Although she never competed in F1, Mouton is a former rally driver who won four prestigious events in the World Rally Championship. She has also been instrumental in promoting the development of young drivers through her role in the FIA Women in Motorsport Commission.
Despite these impressive accomplishments, there is still a significant imbalance in gender representation in the sport. However, with the increasing efforts towards diversity and inclusion, the future is looking brighter for women in F1. Initiatives such as the “Girls on Track” program, which aims to encourage more girls to take up karting and ultimately compete in motorsport, and the “F1 in Schools” program are encouraging the next generation of women to break into the sport and break down gender barriers.
In conclusion, women have been breaking barriers and making history in Formula 1, proving that gender should never be a barrier to success. While there is still a long way to go towards true gender equality and diversity in the sport, it is inspiring to see so many women making significant strides in F1, and hopefully, this trend will continue for years to come.
