A nod to Formula 1's first female driver

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Maria Teresa de Filippis - motorsport's first female F1 Grand Prix driver - was born on this day in Naples, Italy in 1926.

De Filippis was a keen horse rider in her teenage years before she switched to motorized horse power at the age of 22.

Some impressive drives in the Italian Sportscar championship earned her a seat with the Maserati works team, allowing her to compete in various endurance racing events.

In 1958, she made her F1 debut with a privately-entered Maserati at Monaco, but failed to qualify. However, a month later she was on the grid at Spa and crossed the checkered flag at the wheel of her 250F in tenth position.

Maria Teresa de Filippis rounding La Source in her Maserati 250F at the 1958 Belgian GP. (© The Cahier Archive)

Although her career at the pinnacle of motorsport was limited to just three races, her accomplishment as the first female Grand Prix driver bestowed upon her the status of pioneer.

It is said that the death of French driver and friend Jean Behra in a support race for the German Grand Prix at Avus in 1959 led to her retirement from racing at the age of 33.

Maria Teresa de Filippis remained the only woman to compete in Grand Prix racing until her countrywoman Lella Lombardi started the South African Grand Prix in 1975.

Who will be next?

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.