As of the 2024 season, the number of female F1 drivers remains very small compared to the total pool of professional racers in the series. Despite growing participation at junior levels, only a handful of women have started a race weekend in Formula 1.
This article breaks down the current count, historical milestones, and career pathways for women pursuing Formula 1. The data is organized in a summary table followed by focused sections on history, participation, and legacy.
| Driver | Nationality | F1 Race Weekend Starts | Best Grid Position | Podiums in F1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maria Teresa de Filippis | Italy | 5 | 10th | 0 |
| Lella Lombardi | 意大利17 | 11th | 0 | |
| Giovanna Amati | 意大利0 (withdrawn) | – | 0 | |
| Jamie Chadwick | 英国2 (test) | – | 0 | |
| Simona de Silvestro | 瑞士0 (testing only) | – | 0 | |
| Belén García | 西班牙0 | – | 0 |
Historical Female F1 Pioneers
Pre war and early milestones
Before any structured championship, Maria Teresa de Filippis entered the 1958 Belgian Grand Prix, becoming the first woman to start a Formula 1 race. Her efforts opened a narrow door in a sport otherwise closed to women.
Lella Lombardi and consistent participation
Lella Lombardi remains the most accomplished female F1 driver, scoring a half point in the 1975 Spanish Grand Prix. She competed in 17 races, demonstrating endurance and consistency rarely matched by later entrants.
Modern Paths and Current Numbers
Single seaters and feeder series
Today, female drivers typically reach Formula 1 through F3, F2, or Formula E test programs. Jamie Chadwick and Simona de Silvestro took part in selected FP1 sessions, showcasing speed without securing full-time seats.
Current active count
No woman is on a full-time Formula 1 grid as of the latest season. The active female F1 drivers count refers to those in testing and reserve roles rather than race drivers, keeping the number effectively at zero in practice.
Barriers and Progress
Technical and commercial factors
Teams often cite limited female candidates with top tier single seater experience as a reason for cautious recruitment. Nonetheless, karting programs and sponsorships aimed at girls are slowly widening the pipeline into Formula 1.
Cultural impact
Each female entrant draws media attention and inspires younger athletes. This visibility helps normalize women in high performance motorsport, even if immediate grid positions remain rare.
Long term legacy
- Recognize talent early through karting grants and regional series.
- Fund dedicated pathways from F4 to F3 for women.
- Encourage teams to reserve test days for female drivers.
- Measure progress by grid diversity, not just participation events.
FAQ
Reader questions
How many female F1 drivers have started a race?
Only five women have ever started a Formula 1 race: Maria Teresa de Filippis, Lella Lombardi, and three others who did not reach the grid, meaning the number of race starters is extremely limited.
Are there any female F1 drivers in 2024 testing?
Jamie Chadwick has taken part in selected free practice sessions for a team, serving as a development driver rather than a race competitor in the 2024 calendar.
Has a woman ever scored points in F1?
Yes, Lella Lombardi finished sixth in the 1975 Spanish Grand Prix and earned one championship point, which remains the only points scored by a woman in the history of the championship.
What is the current female F1 drivers list for 2024?
There is no official 2024 list of female race drivers, as no woman holds a permanent seat on any team grid at the start of the season.