The hidden horsepower: the women driving Formula 1

Welcome to the first installment of a new series highlighting the incredible women working behind the scenes in motorsports.

When we think of Formula 1, we usually picture the drivers lifting trophies on Sunday. But behind every successful driver is a massive, high-functioning team of brilliant minds. From the boardroom to the pit wall, women have been entirely vital to the modern era of F1.

The Pioneers at the Top

Monisha Kaltenborn:

History was made in 2012 when Kaltenborn took the reins at Sauber, officially becoming the very first female Team Principal in Formula 1. As the ultimate decision-maker for the team, she shattered the highest glass ceiling in the paddock.

Claire Williams:

Taking over the day-to-day running of one of F1’s most legendary family-owned teams, Claire served as Deputy Team Principal for Williams Racing for seven years. She steered the independent team through intense competitive eras, guiding them to multiple podium finishes and strong championship standings.

Susie Wolff:

After a successful career as a driver (including serving as a Williams F1 development driver), Wolff has become a powerhouse executive. She is currently the Managing Director of F1 Academy, a racing series completely dedicated to developing female drivers and breaking down barriers for young women entering the sport.

The Masterminds on the Pit Wall

Hannah Schmitz:

As the Principal Strategy Engineer for five years for Red Bull Racing, Schmitz was the calm, calculated voice making split-second decisions under massive pressure. Her brilliant calls on exactly when to bring drivers into the pits for fresh tires have directly resulted in multiple race wins and World Championships. 2026 saw her take on a new role as Head of Strategy!

Laura Müller:

Müller recently made history with the Haas F1 Team by becoming the first female full-time race engineer in Formula 1. Working directly with driver Esteban Ocon, she is the crucial link between the driver and the garage, acting as the primary voice in his ear and translating complex car data into clear advice on the track.

Eimear O'Connor:

Representing the rising generation of technical talent, the Irish engineer works with Prema Racing in F1 Academy. Her role as a race engineer in the F1 feeder system is a perfect example of how the pipeline for female engineering talent is growing stronger by the day.

Bernie Collins:

Once the Head of Race Strategy for Aston Martin, Collins was famous for outsmarting rival teams on race day. Today, she uses that same expertise on television as a beloved broadcaster, breaking down the complex science of race strategy so fans at home can easily understand the chess match happening on the track.

The Dealmakers

Chloe Targett-Adams:

As the former Global Director of Race Promotion for Formula 1, Targett-Adams was the ultimate dealmaker. She was instrumental in negotiating with governments and promoters around the world, essentially deciding where and when the sport traveled, and helping to expand F1 into the massive global phenomenon it is today.

This is just a glimpse of the female talent that powers the Formula 1 machine. The backbone of motorsport relies heavily on their intellect, leadership, and engineering. Stay tuned for the next article in our series, where we will explore the women making their mark behind the scenes in other major racing categories!