Can women race in F1? History of female Formula One drivers and F1 Academy explained

Formula 1 has made a name for itself over the years as a male-dominated sport.

In fact, in recent weeks, the F1 Netflix show Drive to Survive has been heavily criticized for barely showing any women. Females in Motorsport (FIM), a volunteer group campaigning for women’s participation, found that only 1.5 percent of the show featured women.

But there have been female F1 drivers in the past and the sport is now trying to encourage more female participation in the sport.

The Sporting News covers Formula 1’s relationship with women, the history and how the situation may change in the future…

MORE: A beginner’s guide to the 2023 Formula 1 season

Can women race in F1?

There are no rules preventing women from competing in Formula 1, but the current grid is all male. In fact, not a female driver has competed in a Grand Prix since 1976.

The only driver with the closest ties to a current F1 team is Jamie Chadwick. She’s won three W Series and now competes in Indycar NXT races, but she’s also part of the Williams team as a test and development driver – and hopes to one day compete in Formula 1.

“Continuing my relationship with Williams is great. I’ve had their support since 2019,” Chadwick said.

“Having the opportunity to immerse yourself in the team and keep the Formula 1 dream alive is very important. I look forward to seeing what we can achieve together.”

What is the F1 Academy?

Towards the end of 2022, F1 announced “F1 Academy”, a new all-women series that will start this year.

Funding for female drivers has traditionally been an issue, so this new academy will be financially backed by the same company that runs the F1 World Championship – Formula One Management – with a €150,000 grant for each car.

The 15 cars on the grid will be fielded by teams currently represented in Formula 2 and Formula 3. There will be seven race weekends, each with three races, making a total of 21 championship rounds.

“Everyone should have the opportunity to follow their dreams and fulfill their potential and Formula 1 wants to make sure we do everything we can to create more diversity and pathways into this incredible sport,” said Stefano Domenicali, CEO of F1.

Former F1 test and development driver Susie Wolff has been appointed Managing Director of the F1 Academy. One of the most promising drivers is 19-year-old Brit Abbi Pulling.

MORE: Las Vegas Grand Prix 2023: New route and ticket prices

History of Formula 1 female drivers

The following five drivers have competed in an F1 Grand Prix, although only two (in bold) have actually started a race:

driver	seasons	teams	Messages (race starts)
Maria Theresa de Filippis	1958-59	Maserati, Behra Porsche	5 (3)
Lella Lombardi	1974-76	March, RAM, Williams	17 (12)
Divine Galika	1976, 1978	Surtees, Hesketh	3 (0)
Wish Wilson	1980	Williams	1 (0)
Giovanni Amati	1992	Brabham	3 (0)

Lombardi has contested the most women in F1 history. She competed in 17 races, started at 12 and finished sixth at the 1975 Spanish Grand Prix – the only time a woman has previously scored points in Formula One.