As Formula 1 gears up for an exciting 2026, women are increasingly making their mark in motorsport. The F1 ACADEMY, now in its fourth year, aims to nurture female talent. Initiatives like F1 ACADEMY’s “Discover Your Drive” program inspire young girls to pursue careers in motorsport. This reflects a larger movement, shaped by pioneering women who have changed the landscape of Formula 1.
Trailblazing Women Who Shaped F1
Maria Teresa de Filippis
Maria Teresa de Filippis was the first woman to race in Formula 1. Born in Naples in 1926, she began her racing career after proving her two older brothers wrong. De Filippis made her competitive debut in 1948 and reached Formula 1, qualifying for her first championship race in 1958. Despite facing challenges, she finished her first race in 10th place. She later took on leadership roles in motorsport after retiring in 1979, passing away in 2016 at the age of 89.
Lella Lombardi
Another pioneer, Lella Lombardi, was the first woman to score points in Formula 1. Beginning her career in karts, she moved through various racing categories. In 1975, Lombardi made her F1 debut with March and became a point scorer at the Spanish Grand Prix. While she faced setbacks in later races, she established her own team before passing away in 1992 at age 50.
Susie Wolff
Susie Wolff marked a significant return for women in team management as Managing Director of F1 ACADEMY. After her debut as a driver in 2014, she co-founded the Dare to be Different organization to promote female participation in motorsport. Wolff has played a crucial role in developing the F1 ACADEMY, which continues to expand and inspire future female drivers.
Monisha Kaltenborn
Monisha Kaltenborn broke new ground as the first female Team Principal in Formula 1 when she led the Sauber team starting in 2012. An experienced lawyer, she had been integral to the team’s operations before her promotion. Kaltenborn emphasized the importance of opportunity in advancing women’s roles in motorsport.
Claire Williams
Claire Williams was the Deputy Team Principal of the Williams team from 2013. She steered the team’s day-to-day operations, leading to 15 podium finishes. Williams was a strong advocate for diversity, offering opportunities to aspiring female drivers like Susie Wolff. Though she left Formula 1 in 2020, she remains a notable figure in motorsport commentary.
Marta Garcia
Marta Garcia gained recognition as the inaugural F1 ACADEMY Champion in 2023, winning eight races and securing her future in motorsport. Following her success, she transitioned to the Formula Regional European Championship, representing Alpine.
Hannah Schmitz
Hannah Schmitz serves as the Head of Strategy at Red Bull, making pivotal decisions during race weekends. With a degree from the University of Cambridge, she has been instrumental in the team’s recent successes, notably contributing to championship-winning strategies.
Abbi Pulling
Abbi Pulling made headlines in 2024 as the second F1 ACADEMY Champion, achieving nine wins in a single season. Her success earned her a funded seat for the GB3 Championship, where she continues to break barriers in racing.
Laura Mueller
In 2025, Laura Mueller became the first female Race Engineer in Formula 1 for the Haas team. Her promotion marks a notable progression for women in engineering roles within the sport. Mueller and fellow engineer Hannah Schmitz will have a corner named after them in honor of their contributions.
Doriane Pin
Doriane Pin emerged as a strong contender in the F1 ACADEMY, finishing as champion in 2025 after a thrilling competition. She continues to develop her career as a Mercedes Development Driver and will also compete in the European Le Mans Series.
- Maria Teresa de Filippis: First female F1 driver (1958)
- Lella Lombardi: First woman to score points in F1 (1975)
- Susie Wolff: Managing Director of F1 ACADEMY
- Monisha Kaltenborn: First female Team Principal (2012)
- Claire Williams: Former Deputy Team Principal at Williams (2013)
- Marta Garcia: First F1 ACADEMY Champion (2023)
- Hannah Schmitz: Head of Strategy at Red Bull
- Abbi Pulling: 2024 F1 ACADEMY Champion
- Laura Mueller: First female Race Engineer at Haas
- Doriane Pin: F1 ACADEMY Champion and Mercedes Development Driver
The contributions of these women demonstrate the evolving landscape of Formula 1. As they pave the way for future generations, initiatives like F1 ACADEMY play a vital role in fostering new talent and ensuring women have a lasting impact on motorsport.
