The Next Female F1 Star: When Will She Break Through?

Laura Muller was promoted to her new role as race engineer on Tuesday 21st January

In a historic move for Formula 1, the Haas F1 Team has promoted Laura Müller to the highly-impactful position as the sport's first female race engineer, partnering with driver Esteban Ocon for the upcoming 2025 season. This landmark decision not only signifies a personal achievement for Müller but also highlights the evolving landscape of motorsport, where women are increasingly excelling breaking down barriers by their appointment to critical and high-profile senior roles. 

Müller, who holds a degree in automotive engineering, joined Haas in 2022, initially working in the simulator and immediately prior to her promotion held the position of performance engineer. As team principal Ayao Komatsu emphasized, the selection was driven by Müller's exceptional work ethic and technical understanding, underscoring that factors like nationality and gender were immaterial in the decision-making process. 

This milestone is part of a larger trend of increasing female representation in high-level engineering and strategic positions within F1. For instance, Carine Cridelich has been appointed as Haas's new head of strategy, further exemplifying the team's dedication to diversifying its leadership. 

Muller’s appointment reflects a broader commitment within the industry to recognize and elevate talent based on merit, regardless of gender. The significance of Müller's appointment extends beyond the confines of the racetrack. The biggest impact of this seminal moment is arguably the message it sends to future generation of female engineers of realistic opportunities available to them.

The history of women competing in Formula 1 dates back to the 1950s. Maria Teresa de Filippis was the first woman to compete in an F1 race, debuting at the 1958 Monaco Grand Prix. Driving for Maserati, de Filippis participated in five Grands Prix, with a best finish of 10th place. Her involvement was groundbreaking, proving that women could compete in the pinnacle of motorsport.

The next notable female driver was Lella Lombardi, who, in 1975, became the first—and so far, only—woman to score points in F1. Driving for March, Lombardi finished sixth in the Spanish Grand Prix, earning half a point due to the race being shortened. Despite her historic achievement, opportunities for women to race in F1 remained scarce, with the sport’s physical demands and deeply ingrained gender biases often cited as obstacles.

Since Lombardi, only two women have come close to racing in F1: Desire Wilson and Giovanna Amati. Both made significant strides in motorsport but faced insurmountable barriers to securing full-time seats. Their stories highlight the systemic challenges women have faced in breaking into a field dominated by men. You can read more about all these female drivers’ stories here: https://tinyurl.com/5sap964e.

Lella Lombardi, the only female driver to score points in F1.

In recent decades, women have made inroads into F1, though not necessarily as drivers. The modern F1 ecosystem includes a growing number of women in wide ranging roles such as; engineering, management, and media. High-profile figures like Claire Williams, former deputy team principal of Williams Racing, have showcased the potential for women to lead teams at the highest level. Despite significant challenges, Williams’ leadership was instrumental in maintaining the legacy of one of F1’s most iconic teams.

In engineering and technical roles, women like Ruth Buscombe (head of race strategy at Alfa Romeo) and Hannah Schmitz (principal strategy engineer at Red Bull Racing) have demonstrated their expertise in shaping race outcomes. Their presence underscores the importance of diversity in fostering innovation and performance.

On the driving side, efforts to bring more women into motorsport have intensified. The W Series, launched in 2019, is an all-female single-seater championship aimed at providing women with a platform to develop their skills and gain visibility. Drivers like Jamie Chadwick, a three-time W Series champion, have used the series as a springboard to pursue higher opportunities, though breaking into F1 remains an elusive goal.

The lack of women drivers in F1 can be attributed to several factors. Historically, motorsport has been perceived as a male domain, with societal norms and stereotypes discouraging women from pursuing careers in racing. Access to funding and sponsorship is another critical hurdle, as young female drivers often struggle to secure the financial backing needed to progress through the junior categories.

Physicality is frequently cited as a barrier, but modern advancements in fitness and car technology have largely mitigated these concerns. Instead, the challenge lies in creating a more inclusive pipeline that nurtures female talent from karting to the professional ranks.

Efforts to promote gender diversity in F1 are gaining momentum. Initiatives like the FIA Girls on Track program aim to inspire young girls to consider careers in motorsport, whether as drivers, engineers, or other key roles. The support of teams, sponsors, and governing bodies will be crucial in breaking down barriers and fostering an environment where women can thrive.

There is also growing recognition of the business case for diversity. Research has shown that diverse teams perform better, and F1’s global audience increasingly demands representation. Integrating more women into the sport, both on and off the track, could enhance its appeal and relevance in the modern era.

The journey of women in F1 is far from over, but progress is evident. Pioneers like Maria Teresa de Filippis and Lella Lombardi laid the groundwork, while modern figures in leadership and engineering roles are pushing the boundaries further. Programs like the W Series and FIA Girls on Track represent steps in the right direction, but achieving true gender parity will require systemic change and sustained effort.

As F1 evolves, the inclusion of women is not just a matter of fairness but an opportunity to enrich the sport with new perspectives, talents, and stories. The future of women in F1 holds immense potential, and the racing world is watching closely to see how that potential is realized.

So, have your say on this - what do you think is the next major position to be filled by a women? And when do you think this will happen? Vote on this below, and comment your reasons why!

What do you think is the next glass ceiling for women in F1?

• Driver
• Team Principal
• Other - comment what you think!