Maria Teresa de Filippis, was the first woman in Formula 1. She won at a time dominated by prejudice. Always Filippis!
Motor sport is today saying goodbye to one of its glories. Maria Teresa de Filippis, the first woman to compete in a Formula 1 Grand Prix, died today at the age of 89. The cause of death of the former Italian driver has not yet been confirmed.RELATED: The story of Maria Teresa de Filippis, the first woman in Formula 1
We recall that Filippis raced in Formula 1 between 1958 and 1959, lining up on the starting grid in three grand prix: Portugal, Italy and Belgium. Before that, she was runner-up in Italy, in one of the most disputed and competitive speed championships of the time.
Maria Teresa started running at age 22, in Italy, facing a series of prejudices in an environment dominated by men – she was even prohibited from running because she was too beautiful. Her best result was at Spa-Francorchamps, when she started in 15th place and managed to finish the race in tenth place.
“I ran just for pleasure. At that time, nine out of ten drivers were my friends. There was, let's say, a familiar atmosphere. We went out at night, listened to music and danced. It was totally different from what pilots do today, in that they became machines, robots and are dependent on sponsors. Now there are no friends in Formula 1.” | Maria Theresa de Filippis
Today, aged 89, Fillipis was on the Formula 1 Ex-Drivers Committee of the International Automobile Federation and throughout her life, she was a constant presence at motor racing events. The love of motorsport is always with her.