Engines roar, tires screech, and in the high stakes world of Formula 1, a powerful change is unfolding: Women are stepping up and into key roles on the track, redefining the traditionally male-dominated sport. From strategists crafting race-defining moves to engineers fine-tuning the car, and up-and-coming drivers challenging the status quo, these women are breaking through barriers at every turn. Their stories are filled with resilience, passion, and most importantly determination. Each lap and every decision confronts stereotypes, proving that true excellence knows no gender—even on the fastest stage around the world.
Engineers like Ruth Buscombe and Stephanie Travers drive technical innovation on track and executives like Susie Wolff and Monisha Kaltenborn help shape the future of women in motorsport. Female professionals are not only carving out their own place in the sport but also improving the diversity among the top F1 teams. With initiatives like the W series and programs focused on mentorship and inclusion, the next generation of women is emerging, ready to inspire future racers and leaders. As they continue to confront stereotypes and push for increased representation, these women are helping to improve Formula 1 into a more inclusive and diverse sport.
Many of the women in the defining roles of F1 seem to be forgotten or suppressed. In 2014, Susie Wolff was one of the few females who actually drove an F1 car during a Grand Prix weekend while simultaneously being the first female since 1992 to do so. Currently, she is the managing director of the F1 Academy branch. This academy was built to improve equity for women trying to secure their futures in the Formula Racing Paddock by providing them with resources, training, and exposure they need. “Ultimately, when you’re out on track with your helmet on, nobody can see the driver. Nobody can judge you on what you look like if your hair is long or short, if you’re black or you’re white, if you’re male or female. All that matters is your performance,” Wolff has said, highlighting her commitment to a merit-based sport where skill speaks louder than appearance. However, most fans only know her for being the wife of past racer and Mercedes Team Principal, Toto Wolff. Yet she is so much more than that, she is a staple for women in motorsports. Through her work, Susie Wolff is building the next generation of racers and proving that women have a place in the world of Formula 1.
Another remarkable woman whose influence reaches beyond just the track, shaping the future of the sport from one of the highest levels of management is Monisha Kaltenborn. She is a trailblazer in every sense, Kaltenborn became the first female team principal in formula 1 history when she took over Sauber in 2012. Her background included law and sharp business sense, using this she helped navigate Sauber through financial challenges. She restructured the team and made critical decisions that helped stabilize the struggling team. Kaltenborn’s journey is full of tenacity and is marked by her ability to succeed in such a competitive environment. “I think girls are prettier to look at than if you had men in those roles. I hope that my record will encourage more women and girls to come into motorsport,” Kaltenborn once said, reflecting both her sense of humor and her sincere hope to see more women in the world of F1. Her legacy has and will continue to inspire women across the motorsport world, showing that with the right mindset anyone can make it on an F1 team.
Both Wolff and Kaltenborn are more than just F1 Employees; they are catalysts for change. Their work has opened doors and inspired programs that are driving Formula 1 toward a more inclusive and diverse future. Women in Formula 1 are no longer rare; they are engineers, strategists, and team leaders, each improving and redefining what’s possible. These pioneers are not just paving the way; they are starting the transformation that has been long overdue, showing that Formula 1 is better, faster, and stronger with women standing alongside the men.
