Why hasn't a woman won in F1?

Brief history, perspective, and questions that surround women in F1.

"One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." -Neil Armstrong

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In 1975 on a bumpy and poorly maintained track, Montjuïc Park Circuit in Barcelona, the Spanish Grand Prix was held. The fans attending had no clue they would experience F1 history; a feat that has yet to be matched.

Unpredictable and challenging weather conditions marred the race weekend, eventually playing a significant role in the race's outcome.

During the practice and qualifying sessions leading up to the race, the weather was generally dry. However, on the race day itself, the conditions took a dramatic turn. The skies opened up and heavy rain pounded down on the circuit, transforming the track into a treacherous and slippery surface.

The green flag was waived despite the track's inadequate drainage system causing standing water in some areas, further increasing the risk of accidents.

As the race progressed, a horrific accident involving Rolf Stommelen caused chaos on the circuit. Stommelen's car crashed into a poorly placed safety barrier, which collapsed, resulting in his car being launched into the crowd. Tragically, five spectators lost their lives, and numerous others were injured.

Red flags were posted, leading to the race being stopped due to safety concerns.

During the race, the only female starting the race, Lella Lombardi, found herself in a highly competitive midfield battle.

When the race was stopped, Lombardi was sitting in 6th position; normally earning her a valuable F1 point in the driver rankings. However, regulations at the time stipulated that if the race was stopped before completing 75% of the scheduled distance, only half points would be awarded to all drivers & teams.

The final result; Lella was awarded half a point, making her the first and only woman to score points in an F1 race.

In total, she competed in 12 Grands Prix between 1974 and 1976, with her best finish being a sixth-place result at the 1975 Spanish Grand Prix.

Apart from Lombardi, a few other women have competed for starting spots on the grid in F1, but did not start a race. Notably, Maria Teresa de Filippis became the first woman to enter a Formula 1 World Championship race in 1958, only to fail in qualifying. Later, Divina Galica, Desiré Wilson, Giovanna Amati, and Susie Wolff—now married to Mercedes boss Toto Wolff—also attempted to qualify for F1 races but could not secure a place on the grid.

While the representation of women in F1 has been limited historically, efforts are being made to encourage and support female participation in motorsports. The FIA (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile), which governs F1, has established initiatives like the "Girls on Track" program, the "W Series" championship, and most recently the “F1 Academy”, aimed at promoting women in motorsports and providing them with opportunities to showcase their skills.

While I get these initiatives strive to address the “gender gap” in motorsports and foster the development of female talent in racing, I’m dumbfounded at the lack of success of women in the sport.

I want to see a woman win an F1 Grand Prix.

For me, I see it from two perspectives, the human element and as a fan. Discard anything else including sexism.

Human first

Inside the car, men & women can compete against each other in the same league because it’s not about the male vs female body, but instead driver vs driver.

At the core of each man or woman is a brain, heart, bones, and organs–held together by skin and muscle. By competing with each other through a neutral third party—the car—we are merely focused on the simple principle of driving around the track, using laser-like precision to better ourselves by the standards of the stopwatch.

Do you need to be tall? No

Do you need to be the strongest? No.

You don’t even need to be mechanically inclined.

You do need to be fit to handle G-forces, but that’s not something that separates men from women. Fitness can be obtained by anyone with training; I know plenty of women that can kick my ass or outrun me, but I still beat them around the go-kart track.

Most importantly, you need to have dedicated awareness inside the car, coupled with quick hand-eye coordination, and the ability to blur everything out around you.

No. It’s not easy.

Racing wins

A win, by a woman, would be a “moon landing” moment for women, sports, and F1.

The woman would be vaulted to A-list celebrity status, and young women, especially racers would be deeply inspired.

The event would dominate talk shows, podcasts, dinner conversations, school rooms, zoom meetings, media, and people across all cultures. Legions of fans would be born overnight.

Celebrations on social media alone might break the internet.

We could even rephrase Neil’s famous quote: "One small step for woman, one giant leap for racing.”

So why hasn't a woman won in F1?

F1 is a sport of millionaires and billionaires, maybe it’s a classic equation of being privileged?

Has there never been a wealthy individual whose daughter aspired to compete and emerge victorious in the highest echelons of motorsports? I posed this sarcastic question to AI; it gave me a former Playboy model and “privilege shouldn’t manner” to paraphrase; at least it got the latter correct.

Maybe we can find a good understanding from Lella Lombardi’s experience in F1.

It seems despite her talent and determination, Lella faced various challenges during her F1 career often struggling with the competitiveness of her cars and facing obstacles in securing consistent funding and sponsorship. Why? It was the 70s and two aspects of her nature were at odds with public opinion of the day—she loved cars and she was gay.

Even today there is a strong debate if female drivers are given the same access & opportunities as their male counterparts.

Could it be men and women are just wired differently?

Really I don’t have a clue, nor do I have the answer today for you to this curious question.

With a renewed spirit in F1 and new fans, I hope a bright spotlight gets shined on women in the sport; igniting a push—preferably by people with deep resources—for an F1 female race winner.

Hope you learned something,

🏁Brent🏁