The Inspirational Story of Women in Motorsport

Gradually, motorsport is shrugging off its overly masculine image, and more and more women are becoming involved in this sport that demands intelligence, perseverance and lightning-fast reactions.

Read on, as we explore the history, growing role, and key achievements of women leading the pack in this most intense of sports.

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A Timeline of Women in Motorsport

Some countries are providing a more hospitable environment than others when it comes to promoting women in motorsports. As recently as the 1960s, the total number of female racing drivers across the entire globe was in the single figures. This despite the inspirational Italian, Maria Teresa De Filippis leading the charge as the first woman to compete in a Formula 1 Grand Prix in 1958.

By the 1980s, there was still plenty of room for improvement, but the number of women vying for the podium had rapidly increased. It was during this decade that Michèle Mouton and co-driver Fabrizia Pons became the first women to win a World Championship rally at Sanremo.

Fast-forward to the modern day and the total number of women on the circuit is hitting close to four figures. Check out the map to see, in greater detail, how this staggering improvement came to be.

number of women in motorsport around the world

Of course, driving isn’t the only career in motorsport. The driver is just one cog in a much larger machine, each highly-talented team member plays a crucial role and shares in the success. Roles range from the deeply technical, such as engineering and software development, to the business-focussed, such as marketing, finance and legal.

Whatever the role, motorsport is a competitive field – both on and off the track. Hopefuls will need a keen eye for details, great passion, team spirit and the ability to cope with a high-press, fast-paced environment. Ultimately, they will play their part in not only propelling their team to victory but also keeping the driver safe on the track.

The chart below breaks down just some of the roles available and the qualifications and aptitudes you’ll need.

Inspirational Women in Motorsport

Let’s take a look at some inspirational women working in motorsports today:

Ruth Buscome

Ruth is the Senior Strategy Engineer with Sauber’s F1 team, having studied Aerospace and Aerothermal Engineering at Cambridge University.

Ruth’s previous roles include work with Haas and Ferrari. She’s at the very top of her game, influencing big name teams at the very highest levels and stands as a key inspiration to any women considering a career in the sport.

Cristiana, a Motorsport Senior Engineer, has been working in motorsport for more than twenty years now. Her contributions to the field have been outstanding, having played a role in the implementation of crucial safety technologies across the sport. She was the first woman to work trackside with the FIA’s technical departments and is now a doctoral candidate in Business and Strategic Management at Coventry University.

Claire Williams OBE

Claire is the Deputy Team Principal of one of the world’s leading Formula 1 teams, Williams F1 Racing Team. She joined the team in 2002 as a communications officer and was promoted to director of marketing and communications in 2011 and in March 2013, she was appointed deputy team principal. Not only this, but Claire was appointed an OBE in 2016 for her services to F1 racing.

charlie broughton - a woman in motorsport

Charlie learnt much of her trade on the job as a mechanic for a small independent team in a British Touring Car Championship support race. Following this, she worked for eight years with the renowned Subaru World Rally Team, returning to the British Touring Car Championship in 2010, Charlie won several trophies and accolades for her work as an event technician.

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