NICOLE HAVRDA First Woman to Win Formula Pro USA Western FR
August 3, 2024
Giovanna Amati
Formula racing // Rome, Italy
I might not have set the track on fire, but I definitely ignited a few sparks in the paddock.
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nickname:
Gio
Birthday:
July 20, 1959 (66)
Birthplace:
Rome, Italy
racing type:
Formula racing
racing status:
Retired
height:
165
residence:
inspiration(s):
guilty pLEASURES:
FOLLOWING:
Niki Lauda
GRRL! Number:
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profile updated: June 12, 2025
Giovanna Amati made history as one of the few women to compete in Formula One, securing a drive with the Brabham team for the 1992 season.
EARLY YEARS
Born on July 20, 1962, in Rome, Italy, Giovanna grew up in an affluent family with strong motorsport connections. Her father, Giovanni Amati, was a prominent figure in Italian motorsport circles who competed in Formula Junior and sports car races during the 1960s. Growing up in Rome’s wealthy Parioli district, she began karting at age 12—a rarity for girls in 1970s Italy. By 19, she had transitioned to cars, using family resources to fund what would become a groundbreaking career.
EARLY SUCCESS
Prior to reaching Formula One, Amati competed in Formula 3 from 1985 to 1986, where she demonstrated her racing abilities. In 1988, she secured a podium finish at the Italian Formula Three Championship round in Vallelunga while driving for the BP Racing team. She later progressed to Formula 3000, competing from 1987 to 1991 and gaining valuable experience that would help pave her way to F1.
NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS
- 1988: Secured a podium finish at the Italian Formula Three Championship round in Vallelunga, driving for the BP Racing team[1].
- 1992: Became one of the few women to participate in Formula One, joining the Brabham team for three Grand Prix attempts[2].
- 1993: Won the Italian GT Championship driving a Ferrari 348 alongside co-driver Renato Mastropietro[3].
- 1996: Made her 24 Hours of Le Mans debut, driving a Lotus Esprit GT1 (No. 82)[4].
- 1997: Finished 15th overall and 5th in class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in a Lotus Elise GT1[5].
- 1998: Achieved a GT2 class podium at the FIA GT Championship round in Donington Park, driving a Ferrari 355 GTA[6].
REPUTATION
Giovanna’s reputation in motorsports reflects the challenges faced by female drivers in a male-dominated sport during the early 1990s. While her Formula 1 career was brief—consisting of three unsuccessful qualification attempts at the South African, Mexican, and Brazilian Grands Prix with Brabham—her presence helped open important discussions about gender diversity in motorsports. Despite critics questioning her readiness for F1, her subsequent success in GT racing demonstrated her genuine racing talent and determination to succeed against considerable odds.
References:
Wikipedia, “Giovanna Amati”
Motorsport Magazine, “The tragic tale of Giovanna Amati”
Autosport, “GT Racing History Archive”
24h-lemans.com, “1996 Race Results”
24h-lemans.com, “1997 Race Results”
Racing Sports Cars, “1998 Donington Park Results”
(bio created: )
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