Maria Teresa De Filippis

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. At a time when motorsport was considered exclusively male territory, De Filippis defied social norms through her exceptional driving skills and determination.

Born in Naples, Italy, she began racing cars at 22 after her brothers challenged her to try racing. Her breakthrough came in 1958 when she qualified for the Monaco Grand Prix, though the race director famously told her the only helmet a woman should wear is the one at the hairdresser. Undeterred, she competed in five World Championship Grands Prix, achieving her best finish (10th place) at the 1958 Belgian Grand Prix.

De Filippis' legacy extends beyond her racing achievements. She became a symbol of female empowerment in engineering and motorsports, paving the way for later drivers like Lella Lombardi. After retiring in 1959, she served as vice-president of the International Club of Former F1 Grand Prix Drivers and actively promoted women in motorsport until her death.