Throughout the years, despite the male-dominated nature of the industry, women have managed to thrive and excel by contributing their innovative ideas and unique perspectives to the sport. Women have been participating in motorsports since its inception, with the first recorded women’s motorized tricycle race taking place in 1897. In this article, I will discuss several women who have made a lasting impact on motorsports and left an indelible mark on its history.
Lella Lombardi
Lella Lombardi was an italian racing driver who participated during the years of 1975-1976. Lombardi was not only one of two female drivers that have ever qualified for Formula One, but also the only female driver to score points. Though most prominently known as a racing driver, Lombardi has also contributed a lot to the technical aspect of her racing teams as well.
All throughout her career Lombardi has set a path for many other women in the sport, changing the way many perceive women in the industry. She will forever have an important imprint on not only women in Formula 1, but Formula 1 as a whole.
Leena Gade
As dubbed, ‘The First Lady of Endurance Racing,’ Leena Gade has been one of the most significant names in the motorsport industry. As a race engineer for Audi, she brought two consecutive wins in the 24 Hours of Le Mans race in 2011 and 2012, marking a historic achievement. Gade’s technical expertise and strategic acumen were crucial to these victories, showcasing her exceptional talent in a highly competitive field. Her pioneering success has paved the way for more women to pursue careers in engineering roles within motorsport, and she continues to be a strong advocate for gender diversity and inclusion in the industry.
Michèle Mouton
Michèle Mouton is a legendary figure in rally driving, making her mark in the 1980s as a pioneer for women in motorsport. She is best known for her success in the World Rally Championship (WRC), where she became the first—and still the only—woman to win a WRC event.
Mouton claimed four rally victories and finished as the runner-up in the 1982 season. Her skill and determination earned her respect and recognition in the motorsport community. Beyond her racing career, Mouton co-founded the Women in Motorsport Commission for the FIA, advocating for greater female participation and equality in the sport. (pictured here)
Danica Patrick
Danica Patrick is one of the most recognizable names in American motorsports, known for breaking barriers in both the IndyCar and NASCAR series. She made history in 2008 by winning the Indy Japan 300, becoming the first woman to win an IndyCar race. Patrick’s career in NASCAR was also significant, highlighted by her pole position at the 2013 Daytona 500, making her the first woman to achieve this feat. Her success has inspired countless young women to pursue careers in racing and has been instrumental in challenging gender stereotypes in motorsports.
Simona de Silvestro
Simona de Silvestro, often referred to as the “Iron Maiden,” is a Swiss racing driver known for her versatility and resilience. She has competed in various high-profile series, including IndyCar, Formula E, and the Australian Supercars Championship. De Silvestro’s impressive performances in IndyCar, where she was named Rookie of the Year in 2010, and her pioneering role as a factory driver for Porsche in Formula E, have cemented her status as a formidable talent in motorsports. She continues to advocate for women in racing, serving as a role model and mentor for aspiring female drivers.
These women have not only demonstrated exceptional skill and determination but have also played vital roles in advancing gender equality in motorsports. Their contributions continue to inspire future generations of female racers and engineers.
Works Cited
“Danica Patrick – Retirement, Quotes & Facts.” bio. Biography.com, 2 April 2014, http://www.biography.com/athlete/danica-patrick. Accessed 25 June 2024.
“Leena Gade – The first lady of endurance racing.” Fiawec, 18 December 2012, https://www.fiawec.com/en/news/leena-gade-the-first-lady-of-endurance-racing/862. Accessed 25 June 2024.
“Lella Lombardi.” Wikipedia, https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lella_Lombardi. Accessed 25 June 2024.
“Simona de Silvestro.” Wikipedia, https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simona_de_Silvestro. Accessed 25 June 2024.
“Women through the decades | Federation Internationale de l’Automobile.” FIA, https://www.fia.com/women-through-decades. Accessed 25 June 2024.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lella_Lombardi
https://www.fiawec.com/en/news/leena-gade-the-first-lady-of-endurance-racing/862
About the author:
Hi! My name is Anexie D. Martinez, and I am an incoming freshman with a passion for science and journalism. Over the years, my writing has been an outlet to express my excitement about a future in STEM. STEM is important to me because it combines creativity and problem-solving, allowing me and so many others to innovate and make a positive impact on the world.
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