Women are taking over F1 but when will see a female driver?

There is one F1 fanbase that is growing rapidly, but with none of the drivers in this demographic on the grid, will the sport ever truly break its barriers?

The world’s fastest women are racing to join the Formula 1 grid – and two Australians are in the mix.

Australian teens Joanne Ciconte and Aiva Anagostiadis will hit the track in the all-female F1 Academy series in Shanghai this weekend, in the first of seven races supporting the Formula 1 calendar this year.

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Joanne Ciconte will compete in the F1 Academy this year. Picture: Supplied

Female Formula 1 attendance has surged as women embrace the sport, the fashion and the atmosphere of Grand Prix racing.

The sport estimates that the female share of its fanbase grew to 40 per cent in 2024.

At this year’s Australian Grand Prix, more than one-quarter of Motorsport Australia’s senior officials were female.

Women now make up 27 per cent of all officials, with 19 nations represented among the

1000 Motorsport Australia volunteer officials who keep the event running.

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Melbourne teen Joanne Ciconte hopes to become Australia’s first female Formula 1 driver.

With a passion for motorsport from a young age, Ciconte, 16, is rising through the ranks and is part of an elite group of young women paving the way for future generations.

“I’ve got such a huge wave of emotions,” she said.

“I’m super looking forward to the season … I’m so excited.

Joanne Ciconte selected as Daniel Ricciardo's Grid Kid – Melbourne Grand Prix 2019

Ciconte’s love for the sport was turbocharged by a “remarkable moment” alongside Daniel Ricciardo as a “Grid Kid” at Albert Park in 2019.

“To look back and compare that to now is such a huge step,” she said.

Aiva Anagostiadis will join Ciconte in races held in China, the Middle East, Europe and North America this year.

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Aiva Anagnostiadis built her profile in karting before switching to cars. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Geraghty

Aiva Anagnostiadis at Motorsport Australia's Goal program. Picture: Supplied

Anagnostiadis, 17, said she is “beyond excited” to have the opportunity, and “ready to chase my goals, and fight for every opportunity to win”.

She met with primary school students at the launch of Motorsport Australia’s Goal, a program designed to encourage boys and girls to pursue an interest – and even a career – in motorsport.

Major brands such as Tag Heuer, Puma, Tommy Hilfiger and American Express have backed the F1 Academy for 2025.

American Express will promote local women-owned small business at every F1 Academy race this year, as part of its support for Canadian teen Nicole Havrda.

“Their support fuels my drive to compete at the highest level, and I’m thrilled to represent a brand that champions performance, resilience and ambition, both on and off the track.” she said.

The F1 Academy, formerly known as the W Series, highlights how few paths remain open for women in F1.

Structural issues such as sponsorship challenges, funding disparities and an old-school mindset continue to obstruct female drivers from breaking through.

Historically, only five female women have started in a Formula 1 World Championship race.

The first was Maria Teresa de Filippis who broke through in 1958, followed by Lella Lombardi, the only woman to score championship points, in the mid 1970s.

Lella Lombardi in action in her Brabham BT during the British Grand Prix at the Brands Hatch circuit in England. Picture: Allsport UK /Allsport

Then came Divina Galica and Desire Wilson, both whom made serious attempts during a time of fierce competition and Giovanna Amati, the last woman to try qualifying in 1982.

While a female driver may be still a few years away, steps are being taken to close the gap.

Olivia Molly Rogers, F1 fan and AMEX ambassador, said it is no surprise to see women become more involved in racing.

“I just think that things are becoming less gendered,” she said.

“Women feel like they can do whatever they want to do, and it doesn’t matter if it’s been more of a male interest previously.”

AMEX ambassador Olivia Molly Rogers is inspiring young girls to pursue their careers. Picture: Tony Gough

Rogers credits the F1 growing appeal to factors beyond the race.

“It’s the vibe and atmosphere, people want to come here and get dressed up and make it an event, just like tennis.”

Social media has also played a key role in this transformation with drivers partners documenting their race weekend experiences on Tiktok and Instagram.

“I remember coming here five years ago and people were not doing that,” she says.

The sport still clings to traditions that favour male competitiors.

The absence of a female driver is glaring, and a reminder of how much further F1 must go to truly evolve.

Originally published as Women are taking over F1 but when will see a female driver?