Lella Lombardi: A Pioneer in Formula 1 History
Fifty years ago, the Spanish Grand Prix concluded in a tragic manner after just 29 laps, marked by a catastrophic incident that led to the loss of lives. In a race that was cut short, only half points were granted to the top six finishers, and among them was Lella Lombardi, an Italian driver who made history that day. This moment remains significant as it was the first—and to date, the only—time a woman has finished in a points-scoring position in a Formula 1 Grand Prix. Since that day, motorsport enthusiasts have been eager to see another woman compete at this level and achieve similar success.
Lombardi’s journey into the world of racing began in a unique manner. Born into a family without any racing history, she was the first to obtain a driver’s license. Her passion for speed and competition quickly overshadowed her other interests. This enthusiasm led her to start racing karts briefly before transitioning to her first competitive car, which she used to enter the Formula Monza in 1965.
Over the years, Lombardi made significant strides in various racing categories. She excelled in Formula 850, where she secured an impressive ten race victories and claimed the championship title. Following her success in that series, she moved up to Formula 3, where she finished third overall. Her pursuit of excellence continued as she entered Formula 5000 in 1974, demonstrating her determination to compete at higher levels of motorsport.
In 1975, Lombardi achieved a remarkable feat by becoming only the second woman to qualify for a Formula 1 race during the South African Grand Prix. Unfortunately, her debut in F1 was short-lived as she had to retire due to a fuel system failure in her March 741-Ford car. However, her second outing at the Spanish Grand Prix would prove to be historic.
During the chaotic Spanish Grand Prix, Lombardi qualified 24th out of 26 drivers. The race quickly descended into turmoil, with four drivers exiting the race on the very first lap and a total of 17 drivers retiring before its premature conclusion. The event was ultimately halted after just 29 laps due to a tragic crash involving Rolf Stommelen, which resulted in four fatalities. With the race ending early, only half points were awarded, allowing Jochen Mass to claim victory and 4.5 points for his win, while Lombardi earned a historic half point for finishing in sixth place.
This half point remains a significant milestone in the annals of Formula 1, as it marks the only instance where a female driver has scored points in the sport. In contrast, male drivers have accumulated thousands of championship points since that time. Lella Lombardi stands as one of only two women to ever race in a Formula 1 Grand Prix, alongside Maria Teresa de Filippis. Attempts by Desire Wilson and Giovanna Amati to qualify for races in the 1980s and 1990s did not yield success.
The conversation surrounding the participation of women in Formula 1 continues to be a relevant and pressing topic. Jamie Chadwick, the reigning champion of the W Series, recently expressed to Motorsport.com that Formula 1 teams are "quietly eager to discover the next female racing star." Chadwick, who holds a development role with the Williams F1 team, had the opportunity to drive F1 machinery at the 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed. However, Williams is not the only team focused on nurturing female talent; all ten teams in Formula 1 now support drivers in the F1 Academy, a feeder series dedicated to developing the next generation of female racers.
The F1 Academy, now in its third season, is overseen by Susie Wolff, a former development driver for Williams who has significant experience in motorsport. Wolff is committed to transforming the perception of the sport and fostering new talent as they navigate through the ranks. The initiative appears to be bearing fruit, as Abbi Pulling, the 2024 champion, is gearing up to compete in the full GB3 Championship season. Similarly, Marta Garcia, the first champion of the F1 Academy, has successfully transitioned to testing Formula E cars and made her debut in GT racing with Iron Dames last year.
Moreover, the landscape of Formula 1 continues to evolve with the inclusion of Laura Mueller, who holds the distinction of being the first female race engineer in the history of the sport, working with the Haas team. Additionally, former world champion Sebastian Vettel is advocating for initiatives to bolster support for young female drivers. This growing support suggests that it is more a question of "when" rather than "if" another woman will race in Formula 1.
For those interested in learning more about Lella Lombardi’s groundbreaking life and her contributions to motorsport, detailed information can be found on platforms like Autosport Plus. Lombardi’s legacy extends beyond being F1’s half-point heroine; her story is one of perseverance, passion, and the drive to break barriers in a male-dominated sport.
As we reflect on Lombardi’s achievements and the ongoing efforts to promote female participation in racing, it becomes clear that her influence continues to inspire a new generation of drivers. The motorsport community is keenly aware of the importance of diversity and inclusion, and initiatives aimed at supporting female racers are more prevalent than ever. The future looks promising, with the prospect of women not only racing in Formula 1 but also achieving remarkable success on the world stage.
