Maria Teresa de Filippis

The first female Formula One racing driver who broke gender barriers in motorsports

Maria Teresa de Filippis (1926-2016) made history as the first woman to compete in Formula One World Championship races during the 1950s. Born in Naples, Italy, she began racing motorcycles at 22 before switching to cars.

Her breakthrough came in 1958 when she qualified for the Belgian Grand Prix, driving a Maserati 250F. Despite facing sexism from organizers who claimed 'the only helmet a woman should wear is the one at the hairdresser,' she completed three F1 races between 1958-1959.

De Filippis' legacy includes:

• Pioneering gender equality in professional motorsports
• Inspiring future generations of female drivers like Lella Lombardi
• Demonstrating exceptional technical skill in dangerous pre-safety era races

After retiring, she became vice-president of the International Club of Former F1 Drivers in 2004. Her Maserati 250F remains displayed at the Maserati Museum in Modena.