The world of motorsports often conjures images of male drivers dominating the track. However, a closer look reveals a rich history of incredibly talented and successful Female Race Car Drivers who have defied stereotypes and achieved remarkable feats. This article celebrates the top female drivers who have left an indelible mark on the sport, showcasing their skill, determination, and lasting legacies. These women weren’t just the “first” or the “most popular”—they were the best and fastest of their time.
Michele Mouton, a true rallying legend and inspiration for female race car drivers everywhere.
Blazing Trails: Pioneers of Speed and Skill
Many of these extraordinary women reached the peak of their careers in their 30s and beyond, often finding success in sports cars or rally co-driving. Interestingly, all-female teams have proven to be just as competitive as mixed-gender teams. Their achievements span decades, primarily concentrated in the 1970s and in European racing circuits.
10. Anny-Charlotte Verney: Endurance Racing Queen
Verney holds the record for the most Le Mans 24 Hours starts for a female driver, with ten consecutive appearances between 1974 and 1983. Her highest achievement was a remarkable 6th place finish in 1981.
Anny-Charlotte Verney competing in the grueling Le Mans 24 Hours race.
Verney’s career extended beyond Le Mans, encompassing sports cars, touring cars, stage rallies, and even rally raids, demonstrating her incredible versatility.
9. Yvette Fontaine: Belgian Saloon Car Champion
Fontaine captured the Belgian Saloon Car Championship in 1969, a remarkable achievement punctuated by wins at Zandvoort and Zolder. She drove a distinctive yellow and green Chevron-Ford Escort, a car that became much admired and copied.
Yvette Fontaine and her iconic yellow and green Chevron-Ford Escort.
Fontaine also secured class wins at the Le Mans 24 Hours, further solidifying her place among the top female race car drivers.
8. Janet Guthrie: Breaking Barriers in IndyCar and NASCAR
Guthrie was a trailblazer, becoming the first woman to start the Indianapolis 500 in 1977. She achieved a remarkable 9th place finish in 1978, a testament to her resilience and skill in the face of significant adversity.
Janet Guthrie, a pioneer for female drivers in the US, preparing for the Indy 500.
Guthrie’s career also extended to NASCAR, where she achieved a best finish of 6th, a record that stood for decades.
7. Lilian Bryner: From Olympian to Racing Champion
Bryner, a former Olympian and airline pilot, transitioned to motorsports in her thirties, achieving significant success in endurance racing. Notably, she won the Spa 24 Hours in 2004.
Lilian Bryner, showcasing her versatility by transitioning from Olympian to successful race car driver.
Bryner consistently demonstrated her talent, securing a 2nd place finish at Spa in 2003 and achieving a top 10 finish at Le Mans in 1994.
6. Danica Patrick: IndyCar Victor and NASCAR Competitor
Patrick is the only woman to have won an IndyCar race, a historic victory at the Indy Japan 300 in 2008. Her career also included a successful stint in NASCAR, where she consistently competed at a high level.
Danica Patrick celebrating her historic IndyCar win at Motegi.
Patrick’s best Indy 500 finish was an impressive 4th place, surpassing the previous record held by Janet Guthrie.
5. Lella Lombardi: Formula 1 Point Scorer
Lombardi holds a unique distinction in Formula 1 history as the only woman to score a championship point, achieving this feat at the 1975 Spanish Grand Prix.
Lella Lombardi, a groundbreaking figure in Formula 1 history.
Beyond F1, Lombardi secured three World Sportscar Championship victories and achieved respectable finishes at Le Mans.
4. Pat Moss: Rallying Royalty
Moss, sister of legendary driver Stirling Moss, secured three major international rally wins, showcasing her adaptability across different eras of the sport. Her victories included the Liege-Rome-Liege Rally in 1960.
Pat Moss, a rallying icon in her own right and sister to the legendary Stirling Moss.
Moss’s talent and captivating personality made her a beloved figure in the rallying world.
3. Desire Wilson: Formula 1 Pioneer
Wilson made history as the first woman to win a race in Formula 1 machinery, achieving this feat at Brands Hatch in 1980. She nearly qualified for the British Grand Prix and competed in a non-championship South African Grand Prix.
Desire Wilson, a pioneer who pushed boundaries for women in Formula 1.
Wilson’s versatility extended to sports car racing, where she secured two World Championship for Makes victories.
2. Jutta Kleinschmidt: Dakar Rally Champion
Kleinschmidt etched her name in motorsports history by winning the grueling Dakar Rally in 2001, a testament to her exceptional endurance and navigational skills.
Jutta Kleinschmidt, the first and only woman to win the Dakar Rally.
Kleinschmidt’s consistent performance in the Dakar Rally, including multiple podium finishes, solidified her status as a rally raid legend.
1. Michèle Mouton: Rallying Icon and Trailblazer
Mouton’s exceptional career included four World Rally Championship victories and a near-miss at the 1982 WRC title. Her skill behind the wheel of the Audi Quattro helped usher in the legendary Group B era.
Michèle Mouton in action, showcasing the skill and determination that made her a rallying icon.
Mouton’s legacy extends beyond her driving achievements; she founded the Race of Champions and championed women in motorsports. Her influence continues to inspire female race car drivers today. These are just a few of the incredible women who have shaped the world of motorsports. Their stories of perseverance, skill, and triumph continue to resonate, paving the way for future generations of female racers.
