“Can Women Make It In Motorsports? “| Maya Weug | Lella Lombardi

Video Description from YouTube:

The last woman to start a Formula 1 Grand Prix was Lella Lombardi in 1976.

In the entire history of Formula 1, only two women have ever qualified to take their place on the starting grid.

Is that really a question of talent—or a question of opportunity?

Today, extraordinary women are working to change the answer. Women like former racing driver Susie Wolff, who now leads F1 Academy and is opening doors for the next generation of young women determined to reach Formula 1.

And Maya Weug is one of its brightest talents.

She is the first woman ever to join the Ferrari Driver Academy and the 2025 F1 Academy Vice-Champion. She is also the girl who slept beside the trophy from her first victory—and still speaks about it with pride.
Maya has achieved many firsts, but her journey has not been straightforward. Despite finishing as vice-champion, she entered 2026 without a full-time racing seat. Yet she remains ambitious, resilient and determined to keep changing the face of motorsport.

In this episode, we talk about ambition, resilience and grit. About reaching the podium versus taking the time to celebrate it. About fierce competition and genuine sisterhood. And about what it takes not only to reach the grid—but to earn the opportunity to stay there.

Can a woman make it all the way to Formula 1?
Meet Maya Weug.

Welcome to What If She Came First?

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