Prominent Female Figures in Formula 1
- Arvith Jhirad
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
Female viewership of Formula 1 (“F1”) has undergone a significant transformation over the past several years, reshaping what was once a predominantly male fan base. Women now account for three out of every four new fans of the sport. This shift has been exponential: female fans rising from 40% to nearly 50%, and women’s attendance at Grand Prix increasing from 20% in 2019 to nearly 33% in 2023. Social Media and Netflix’s Drive to Survive have played a significant role in driving this growth, with 43% of UK viewers being women. On the other race track, 42% of female fans already follow F1 Academy, the all-female feeder series launched to develop the next generation of women in motorsport.
With the Australian Grand Prix approaching in just a few days, all eyes turn to Formula 1 for another exciting season. Although we think it’s the perfect time to look beyond the grid. For most of its history, F1 has been recognized as a male-dominated sport, both on and off the track. But over the decades, women have shaped the championship in powerful ways as drivers, engineers, executives, and strategic leaders. From breaking barriers in the cockpit to directing race strategy and leading teams at the highest level, these trailblazers have challenged convention and expanded the definition of leadership and excellence in motorsport. The following profiles highlight five remarkable women whose impact continues to shape F1's evolution today.
Susie Wolff
Susie Wolff is a highly respected figure in F1 and motorsport as a whole. She began her journey racing with karting in her youth and steadily progressed through junior categories before establishing herself as a competitive driver in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) series.
In 2012, Wolff joined Williams Racing as a development driver, and in 2014, she made history by becoming the first woman to take part in a F1 race weekend since 1992, driving in Free Practice sessions at both the British and German Grand Prix.
After stepping away from driving, Wolff continued to break barriers: she led Venturi Racing in Formula E as Team Principal and today serves as Managing Director of F1 Academy, a new feeder series designed to expand opportunities for women in single-seater racing. Wolff also co-founded Dare to be Different, a global initiative to increase female participation across motorsport.
Monisha Kaltenborn
Monisha Kaltenborn’s rise to the top of F1’s managerial ranks is remarkable in a sport historically dominated by men. Originally a lawyer, she joined Sauber F1 team’s legal department and demonstrated strong leadership and business acumen.
By 2010, she was CEO of Sauber Motorsport, and in 2012, she made history as F1’s first female Team Principal, overseeing all sporting and operational aspects of the team. Kaltenborn guided Sauber through challenging seasons as an independent team, navigating competitive pressures and complex partnerships.
Her leadership paved the way for future women in F1 leadership, proving that deep technical understanding and decisive governance are vital at the highest level of motorsport.
Hannah Schmitz
Hannah Schmitz is one of the most influential women behind the scenes of modern F1. After graduating with an engineering degree, she joined Red Bull Racing, where her analytical talents quickly shone through.
Schmitz worked on simulations and race strategies, earning a promotion to Principal Strategy Engineer, a role that places her at the heart of split-second tactical decisions during grands prix. Her strategic calls have been credited with key race successes for drivers such as Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez, including clever tyre choices and pit-stop timing that have swung race results in Red Bull’s favour.
Schmitz’s journey underscores how women are increasingly shaping race outcomes and team performance at the pinnacle of motorsport.
Giovanna Amati
Giovanna Amati is notable as the most recent woman to enter the F1 World Championship, driving for Brabham in the 1992 season. She progressed up the motorsport ladder from Formula Abarth and Italian Formula 3 into Formula 3000, showing strong commitment and racing skill.
In 1992, Amati was signed by Brabham and attempted to qualify for three grand prix, in South Africa, Mexico, and Brazil, though she did not make the race grids. Despite not qualifying, her presence marked a significant milestone: she remains the last woman to compete for a race seat in F1, highlighting both the challenges and the potential for women in F1.
Amati continued to race in sports cars and other series after her stint in F1, and her legacy continues to spark discussions about gender diversity and opportunities for drivers aspiring to reach the pinnacle of motorsport.
Claire Williams
Claire Williams grew up immersed in motorsport as the daughter of Sir Frank Williams, founder of the Williams team. She started her career in communications before rising to Deputy Team Principal of Williams Racing, effectively leading the team through the 2010s.
During her tenure, she helped rebuild the team’s competitiveness, restructured the engineering department, and negotiated key partnerships. One of them was the switch to Mercedes engines, a decision that proved crucial during a difficult period for the historic team.
Importantly, Claire also championed female representation within motorsport, encouraging women to pursue technical and leadership roles and supporting development pathways in both engineering and racing. Her leadership brought increased visibility to women in senior positions in F1, helping challenge gender norms within the sport.
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