As the first and only woman to score points in a Formula 1 World Championship, Lella Lombardi remains one of the most successful and influential women figures in Motorsport and F1.
Lombardi was born in Frugarolo, Italy in 1941, and despite her family’s concerns and public perception at the time, she had a passion for cars and racing. She spent her teen years driving the delivery van for her family’s butcher shop and saved every dollar she made to buy her first car. It was this car that she participated in her first race with, in Formula Monza, 1965. Two years after her debut in Formula Monza, Lombardi moved on to Formula 850 where she won four out of the ten races, eventually taking the World Championship in 1971. Lombardi briefly moved on to the Italian F3 where she finished tenth in the Championship for two consecutive years.
Lombardi continued to impress with her skills and ability to handle the car, leading to her participation in multiple other series’ before racing for F1. In 1975, Lombardi made her F1 debut in South Africa, becoming the only other woman after Maria Teresa de Filippis to qualify for a Grand Prix. In only her second F1 race, she scored her infamous half-point at the Spanish GP, making her the only woman to score points in a F1 World Championship. Lombardi was also praised for her ability to finish seventh at the German GP despite suffering from a puncture.
Lombardi’s career was impressive, but what makes her a true inspiration was her determination and resilience. Her ability to persist and succeed despite public perception and criticism is nothing short of inspiring. Lella Lombardi did not care what others had to say about her, and she certainly did not allow the opinions of others to prevent her from doing what she loved. Lombardi’s story continues to inspire many of us to live our lives on our own terms, without apology.