Formula 1, with its storied 75-year history, is a crucible of records, milestones, and innovation. Yet, it took Haas F1 in 2025 to shatter a significant barrier: appointing Laura Mueller as the sport’s first female race engineer. As she prepares to guide Esteban Ocon on the track, her achievement prompts reflection on the monumental firsts for women in F1 history—moments that reshaped the narrative of this male-dominated sport.
First Woman F1 Driver: Maria Teresa de Filippis
Italian racer Maria Teresa de Filippis was the pioneer for women in F1, becoming the first female driver to compete in a Grand Prix in 1958. Driving a non-works Maserati, she participated in three races, achieving a best finish of 10th. De Filippis’ career, though brief, left an indelible mark. Her talent earned praise from Juan Manuel Fangio, who once remarked she was driving “too fast.” Her journey ended prematurely in 1959 after the tragic death of team leader Jean Behra, reflecting the sport’s inherent dangers.
First Woman to Score F1 Points: Lella Lombardi
Lella Lombardi remains the only woman to score points in F1. The Italian racer achieved this historic feat in the shortened 1975 Spanish Grand Prix, finishing sixth and earning half a point. Lombardi’s resilience and openness about her identity also made her a trailblazer as one of the first openly queer competitors in top-tier motorsport. Her career spanned 12 Grand Prix starts, a testament to her skill and determination.
First Woman on an F1 Podium: Ginny Williams
At the 1986 British Grand Prix, Virginia “Ginny” Williams etched her name into F1 history by becoming the first woman to stand on the podium. As the backbone of the Williams team during her husband Frank Williams’ recovery from a life-altering accident, her critical contributions to the team’s survival were symbolically recognized when she lifted the winner’s trophy—a poignant moment in F1’s legacy.
First Woman to Test an F1 Car: Sarah Fisher
American racer Sarah Fisher became the first woman to drive a modern F1 car during a demonstration at the 2002 U.S. Grand Prix. Although not a test aimed at securing a seat, her McLaren run represented progress and inspired others to envision a future for women in elite motorsport.
First Woman Team Principal: Monisha Kaltenborn
In 2013, Monisha Kaltenborn broke new ground as the first female team principal in F1, leading Sauber through challenging times. Her tenure demonstrated that women could successfully hold top management roles in the sport.
The Importance of Representation
Women like Mueller, de Filippis, and Lombardi matter because their achievements disrupt a cycle of exclusion. Without visible role models, young women often struggle to imagine themselves in F1, a field long dominated by men. Representation fosters opportunity, proving that skill and dedication—not gender—should define success.
While progress has been slow, each milestone for women in F1 brings us closer to a sport where talent truly knows no boundaries. Laura Mueller’s appointment as race engineer is a promising step forward.
