12 women who’ve raced and tested F1 cars

F1 Academy champion Doriane Pin has made history as the first woman to drive a Mercedes F1 car, completing a successful test at Silverstone in the 2021-spec W12. This milestone marks another significant chapter for female drivers in Formula 1. The history of women in the sport dates back to pioneers like Maria Teresa de Filippis, the first woman to start a Grand Prix, and Lella Lombardi, who remains the only woman to score championship points in F1. Over the decades, figures such as Divina Galica, Desire Wilson, and Giovanna Amati have pushed boundaries, with more recent trailblazers like Susie Wolff, Tatiana Calderon, and Jessica Hawkins continuing to pave the way through test and development roles. Today, Doriane Pin’s achievement highlights the ongoing progress in motorsport. From the tragic legacy of Maria de Villota to the modern advancements led by figures like Wolff, the commitment to fostering female talent in F1 continues to evolve, inspiring the next generation of racers.