Last Updated on August 8, 2025
The Fastest Women On The Planet – Ladies of the Motorsport
Motorsport has always been one of the most thrilling aspects of the automotive world. Regardless of changing industry trends, customer preferences, or technological advancements, car racing continues to captivate enthusiasts and promote innovation. While historically dominated by men, women have played a significant role in motorsports since the very beginning. Early racing cars were heavy, lacked power steering, and required immense physical effort to control.
Yet, despite these challenges, women competed and won races, proving their skill and determination. While we are still waiting for the first female Formula One champion, history shows that women have left an undeniable mark on motorsport. Let’s explore the trailblazing women who have shaped racing history.
Female Motorsport Pioneers
Motorsports gained popularity in the early 20th century as the automotive industry grew, and brands sought recognition through racing. In this era, it was rare for women to compete, making British driver Dorothy Levitt a true pioneer. In 1903, she became the world’s first female racing driver, setting records and defying societal norms.
The UK racing scene in the 1920s and 1930s saw an increasing number of female drivers, with Elsie “Bill” Wisdom, Gwenda Hawkes, and Jill Scott frequently competing on the legendary Brooklands circuit—the world’s first purpose-built racetrack.
Women racers also emerged in Europe and America, some even securing contracts as factory drivers. A remarkable yet lesser-known name is Samiye Cahid Morkaya, a pioneering female racer from Turkey. Competing in the early 20th century, she triumphed over male competitors despite the cultural and societal constraints of her time. Her story is a testament to resilience and passion for racing.
1) Women in Rally Racing
Rally racing is one of the most demanding forms of motorsport, requiring drivers to navigate extreme terrains, from deserts to icy roads. Despite its grueling nature, female drivers have excelled in this discipline.
One of the earliest female rally stars was Pat Moss, sister of legendary British driver Stirling Moss. Between 1953 and 1974, she raced for Mini, Lancia, SAAB, and Ford, securing victories in major events.
The 1980s saw the rise of the legendary Group B rally era, known for its monstrously powerful and challenging cars. Among the elite drivers who mastered these machines was Michèle Mouton, a French racer who became a regular contender for rally victories. Competing in 50 World Rally Championship (WRC) events, she secured four wins and amassed 192 stage victories, proving she could compete at the highest level.
Beyond traditional rallies, the grueling Paris-Dakar Rally is considered one of the toughest endurance races in the world. The only woman to ever win this event is Jutta Kleinschmidt, a German racer who started her career on BMW motorcycles before switching to cars. In 2001, she made history by winning the rally, showcasing her unmatched resilience and skill.
2) Women in Drag Racing
Drag racing exploded in popularity during the 1950s and became one of America’s most exciting motorsports. Initially, female drivers were rare, but by the 1960s, several women emerged as top competitors.
Shirley Shahan was the first woman to compete at the highest level of the NHRA drag racing scene. Racing under the nickname “Drag-On-Lady,” she made history in 1964 by becoming Plymouth’s first female factory-sponsored driver. Her success paved the way for other women in the sport.
One of the most famous female drag racers is Shirley Muldowney, a three-time NHRA Top Fuel champion (1977, 1980, 1982). Her groundbreaking career helped establish women as legitimate contenders in professional drag racing.
Today, more women than ever compete in NHRA’s Top Fuel class, the sport’s fastest and most prestigious category. Among them, Brittany Force has become a dominant figure, winning the championship in 2017 and 2022. As the daughter of 16-time Funny Car champion John Force, she continues to push boundaries and inspire the next generation of female racers.
3) Women in Formula One
Though only six women have competed in Formula One history, their contributions have been significant.
In 1958, Maria Teresa de Filippis became the first woman to race in a Formula One Grand Prix. Lella Lombardi, another Italian driver, became the first (and so far only) woman to score points in F1, finishing sixth at the 1975 Spanish Grand Prix.
While female drivers in F1 remain rare, women have had a tremendous impact behind the scenes. Susie Wolff, a former Williams test driver, is now the Managing Director of F1 Academy, a program dedicated to developing female talent in motorsport. Monisha Kaltenborn made history as the first female team principal in Formula One, leading the Sauber team in the early 2010s. Additionally, Hannah Schmitz, Red Bull’s Principal Strategy Engineer, has played a crucial role in the team’s championship success, demonstrating the increasing influence of women in the sport.
With increasing support for female racers and improved opportunities, the possibility of a female Formula One champion seems closer than ever.
4) Women in NASCAR
NASCAR is one of the most popular motorsports in the United States, and since its inaugural race in 1948, 134 women have qualified to compete.
The most well-known female NASCAR driver is Danica Patrick, who made history by competing in over 190 NASCAR races and 116 IndyCar races. Her ability to transition between series made her one of the most versatile drivers in motorsport history.
Conclusion
Although female racers were once considered a novelty, they have broken barriers, proven their skills, and gained widespread respect in motorsports. Today, women continue to shape the future of racing, whether as drivers, engineers, or executives. While we celebrate their past achievements, we also look forward to a future where female champions become a common sight in all racing disciplines.
