Maria Teresa de Filippis
Formula racing // Naples, Italy
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In 1958, Maria Teresa made history as F1’s first female driver, taking on Monaco and Belgium in a Maserati after winning her first race on a bet with her brothers.
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I was either courageous or reckless, or foolhardy, call it what you want, I just liked to go at full speed[2].
My brothers, they had a bet that I could never be a really fast driver[3].
The only helmet a woman should wear is the one at the hairdresser’s[1].
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FULL BIO: Maria Teresa de Filippis
Maria Teresa de Filippis broke barriers as the first woman to compete in Formula One, pioneering a path for women in motorsports through her remarkable courage and skill behind the wheel.
EARLY YEARS
Born on November 11, 1926, in Marigliano, Italy, Maria Teresa came from nobility as the youngest of five children to Italian count Serino Francesco De Filippis and Spanish noblewoman Narcisa Anselmi Balaguer Roca de Togores y Ruco y Perpignan. Her childhood unfolded within the impressive 16th-century Palazzo Marigliano in Naples, owned by her father, where she developed an adventurous spirit through equestrian activities and tennis. Her journey into motorsports began unexpectedly at age 22, sparked by a bet with her brothers who doubted her speed—a challenge she emphatically answered by winning her first race in a Fiat 500 on the 10 km drive between Salerno and Cava de’ Tirreni.
EARLY SUCCESS
In 1948, Maria Teresa’s racing career officially launched with her victory at the Salerno-Cava dei Tirreni hillclimb, where she not only dominated her class but also secured an impressive second place overall. This early triumph showcased her natural talent and fierce determination, qualities that would define her racing career. As her reputation grew, she began competing alongside legends like Juan Manuel Fangio, Alberto Ascari, and Tazio Nuvolari. By 1955, her skill had caught the attention of major manufacturers, leading her to drive for Maserati—notably turning down an offer from Enzo Ferrari, a decision that highlighted her independent spirit and confidence in her career path.
NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS
- 1948: Won her class and finished second overall at the Salerno-Cava dei Tirreni hillclimb in a Fiat 500.
- 1955: Finished second in the 2000-cc class championship.
- 1955: Won the Catania-Etna race in record time.
- 1958: Became the first woman to compete in Formula One at the Syracuse Grand Prix (non-championship), finishing fifth.
- 1958: Made history as the first woman to participate in a Formula One World Championship race at the Belgian Grand Prix, finishing tenth.
- 1958: Competed in the Monaco Grand Prix qualifiers.
- 1958: Participated in the Italian Grand Prix at Monza.
REPUTATION
Maria Teresa earned profound respect in the overwhelmingly male-dominated world of 1950s motorsport not just for breaking gender barriers, but for her genuine skill and uncompromising determination. Fellow drivers and team managers recognized her as a serious competitor rather than a novelty—a testament to her driving abilities in an era when women faced significant skepticism in professional sports. Her decision to drive for Maserati rather than Ferrari demonstrated her confidence and independence, traits that defined her racing philosophy. Beyond her technical prowess, she became a symbol of audacity and passion, embodying a pioneering spirit that challenged deeply entrenched social norms about women’s capabilities in competitive, high-risk environments. This reputation has only grown stronger over time, with her legacy inspiring generations of female racers who followed in her tire tracks.
FUTURE GOALS/PLANS
Maria Teresa de Filippis passed away in 2016 at the age of 89. While she no longer races in person, her groundbreaking achievements continue to inspire women entering motorsports today. Her legacy lives on through various initiatives and tributes dedicated to increasing female participation in racing.
References:
Maria Teresa de Filippis: The First Woman in Formula 1
Breaking Barriers: Women in Motorsport
The Pioneering Spirit of Maria Teresa de Filippis
From Nobility to Racing: The Story of Maria Teresa de Filippis
The Legacy of Maria Teresa de Filippis in Women’s Motorsport
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