by Konstancija Kevisaite
Life’s journey is full of wavering checkered flags. It does not matter whether one takes over the wheel and navigates adult life by exploring distant deserts, by flying through muddy corners, or by driving in circles in a closed circuit until the very last lap. All these different terrains still come in with one task only: overcome the challenge and reach the checkered flag. Control over one’s future is a powerful motivator. Women, too, have raced against their fates since the old days, from gaining the right to vote to securing their businesses and gaining access to birth control. One challenge after another led to entering one more male-dominated field—the world of motorsports, which soon was about to be reshaped forever.
Behind the Wheel but Historically
Motorsport, as a word itself, is diverse. The sport includes motorcycles, trucks, motorboats, aeroplanes, but it is best known for cars. When it comes to motorcars, they come in all shapes and sizes, varying from ‘single-seater’ ‘open-wheeled’ (Formula 1, IndyCar) to ‘multi-seater’ ‘closed-wheeled’ (WRC, Dakar Rally) cars. It is only natural that such a diverse sport should also stand out as the epitome of inclusivity for various genders; however, historically, this was not the case. At first, motorsport was an exclusive experience, often centred in gentlemen’s clubs, which limited women’s participation. Nevertheless, by the end of the 19th century, an increasing number of women joined car races in continental Europe, competing in the streets of Paris and Berlin; however, it was still challenging to compete against hundreds of men who were socially protected and acknowledged.
In the world of Formula 1, which will be the primary focus of this article, only five women have ever entered an F1 race, with only two qualifying for the Grand Prix, since 1950. One of the most widely recognised motorsport icons is Maria Grazia ‘Lella’ Lombardi, an Italian driver who fell in love with karting as a child. Despite her parents’ lack of support, she managed to advance to F3 and later to F1. Even though she only scored half a point in the Spanish Grand Prix 1975, she made it clear that handling such a car for women was not an issue, or as in her exact words: “I don’t have to carry it, I just have to drive it.” Yet, this quote has still not been taken into account seriously, even in recent years. While there is growth in the female audience and participation, not only in the cockpit but also in car development and race strategy, a study conducted by More Than Equal reveals that women and girls account for only 13% of racers at all levels.
From Avoiding PR Crisis to Aerodynamics: Career Paths Women Take in Motorsports
Possible career choices in motorsports for women extend beyond being a professional athlete, flying from one place to another, and spending hours in a simulator. Roaming cars without constant updates would be inefficient; live translations and media would not survive without the support of public relations specialists and journalists; races would not be won without a well-defined race strategy coming from the pit wall. All these fields are mentally demanding, but are considered highly rewarding in spirit by many women on different racing teams. In an interview by Females in Motorsports, F1 content creator Lissie Mackintosh shares that she wants to make as many female fans proud, and one of the most significant rewards of involvement in motorsports is, in fact, the community and the ability to educate in a way that is ‘interesting and accessible’. Red Bull’s strategist, Hannah Schmitz, expresses pride in the growing number of women in STEM. While entering this field may not be easy at first, partly due to lingering stereotypes that portray women as emotional, they bring a variety of skill sets and experiences that are valuable assets to the team. The power of women increases as more women enter leadership roles, demonstrating their expertise to achieve the best possible outcomes.
‘Oh, You Love Formula 1? Name Every Championship Winner Ever!’ – Confessions of a Modern Fanbase
Motorsports are at an all-time high, with girls around the globe watching cars make turns. CEO of Formula 1 Group Stefano Domenicali noted in 2023 that 40% of the F1 fans are female (over 300 million viewers), up 8% from 2017. Many factors come into play—the publicly scrutinised and controversial Netflix’s Drive to Survive, depicting the backstage of sport; TikTok edits, using sounds that appeal by linking opposite fandoms, such as Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton fanbase with Hamilton: The Musical; the overall understanding that gender-based stereotypes are harmful; and, of course, the rise of F1 Academy with only female drivers on the grid. With the growing popularity among women, gender discrimination is also on the rise. Comment sections rapidly turn into opinion essays on how ‘women serve no good as drivers’, ‘women watch motorsports not because they care, but because they are interested in the drivers’ looks’, or that ‘women are simply not built for this sport’. This outburst could probably be avoided in a utopian society. Still, now, women and girls are more eager than ever to establish communities together that transcend borders and minimise hate speech. From podcast episodes and live reports to fan projects, from sleepless nights on race day to projections of world championship outcomes, female fans find a way to enjoy the thrill of racing without fear of being misunderstood.
An expanding female audience provides unique insights and strengthens the community by making it more accessible and inviting. Equal gender representation promotes ultimate inclusivity in society and provides a more diverse range of perspectives in team management. So, to all the girls starting their motorsport journey or already immersed in the experience, the checkered flag is still on the horizon, and it takes a team to win a race against time, stereotypes, and doubt.
Le Dragon Déchaîné 