Who Was Maria Teresa de Filippis? The First Woman F1 Driver

Maria Teresa de Filippis was born on November 11, 1926, in Marigliano, Italy, into a noble family. She was the youngest of five children of Italian count Serino Francesco de Filippis and Spanish noblewoman Narcisa Anselmi Balaguer Roca de Togores y Ruco y Perpignan. Growing up in the 16th-century Palazzo Marigliano in Naples, de Filippis developed a strong interest in sports from an early age, excelling in horse riding and tennis.

Beginning of a Racing Career

In the late 1940s, as World War II came to an end, de Filippis found her passion for motorsport. Despite initial skepticism from her family and friends—her brothers even made a bet that she would not be able to drive fast—she embarked on her racing journey at the age of 22. Her first significant victory came driving a Fiat 500 on a 10 km course between Salerno and Cava de' Tirreni, boosting her confidence to compete in more prestigious events.

Rise to Prominence

De Filippis quickly made a name for herself in the Italian sports car championship, securing second place in the 1954 season. Her potential caught the eye of Maserati, leading to her becoming a works driver for the renowned team. Over the next few years, she participated in various racing events, including hill climbs and endurance races. Notably, she finished second in a sports car race at the 1956 Naples Grand Prix, driving a Maserati 200S.

Entry into Formula One

1958 marked a significant year for de Filippis as she entered the world of Formula One. Although Maserati had officially withdrawn from the sport, their cars were still available to privateers. On May 18, 1958, de Filippis made her debut at the Monaco Grand Prix in a Maserati 250F. Despite her best efforts, she failed to qualify for the race, a fate shared by Bernie Ecclestone, who later became a prominent figure in Formula One management.

Formula One Challenges

De Filippis faced several challenges in her Formula One career. At the 1958 Belgian Grand Prix, where there was no qualifying cut-off, she started in 19th place and finished 10th, the last of the finishers. This race would be her only complete race finish in Formula One. Subsequent races were marred by issues, including an engine failure at the Portuguese Grand Prix and a race director's sexist dismissal at the French Grand Prix.

Final Attempt and Retirement

In 1959, de Filippis joined the Behra-Porsche RSK team and attempted to qualify for the Monaco Grand Prix. Unfortunately, she did not make the cut, marking the end of her attempts to compete in Formula One races. The tragic death of her team leader Jean Behra in August 1959 deeply affected her, prompting her to retire from professional racing.

Life After Racing

In the 1960s, de Filippis married Austrian chemist Theodor Huschek and shifted her focus to family life. It wasn't until 1979 that she reconnected with the racing community, joining the International Club of Former F1 Grand Prix Drivers and later becoming its Vice-President. She also helped establish the Maserati Club in 2004, serving as its chairperson.

Legacy and Impact

Maria Teresa de Filippis passed away on January 8, 2016, at the age of 89, leaving behind a legacy as a pioneering woman in motor racing. Her efforts paved the way for future female racers. It would take another 15 years before another woman, Lella Lombardi, competed in Formula One, achieving the distinction of being the first and only woman to score points in a World Championship race. De Filippis remains a celebrated figure, inspiring subsequent generations of female drivers, including Giovanna Amati, Divina Galica, and Desiré Wilson, who all attempted to enter Formula One races.

Maria Teresa de Filippis' story is one of resilience and groundbreaking achievements in a sport dominated by men, highlighting her enduring influence on the world of motorsport.