The formula 1 has had various protagonists who have magnified a sport historically controlled and overshadowed by male figures. There have not been many, unfortunately. That is the great problem that has been tried to reverse for decades. Because talent has always existed, in some more than in others, just as it happens with men. However, the opportunities have not always been the same. If not, let them tell one of our protagonists, that she was not allowed to run once because a chauvinist race director told her that the only helmet she should wear was the one from the hairdresser.
In this article we want to pay tribute to these pilot women who dared to break the schemes of society through motorsports. Yes, it is true that F1, as such, originated in 1950. But there have been names prior to the foundation of the category that also left their mark on the sport, in a much more complicated time for them, where even the female vote , in certain nations, it did not even exist. We are talking regarding talented and daring pilots like Elisabeth Junekand of historical personalities not necessarily linked to the competition such as Genevra Delphine Mudge o Bertha Benzwhose surname is more popular.
In more modern times, several women have left their seal of quality in motorsportsbeyond Formula 1. If we delve into the world of Rallies, we come across the incombustible Michele Mouton and with the only winner of the Dakar, Jutta Kleinschmidt. And, if we return to the asphalt, we cannot forget iconic drivers like Danica Patrickthe first female winner of an IndyCar race, or Katherine Legge and his extensive career.
Recently, the FIA authorized the creation of the W Series, an exclusive single-seater championship for women to promote their image and inclusion in the upper echelons of motorsport. Pilots of the stature of Jamie Chadwick, as well as the Spanish representatives: Martha Garcia, Belen Garcia y Nerea Marti.
But, going back to the main topic of the article, at Car and Driver we are proud to present you the 10 female drivers who impressed in Formula 1. Come and read.