The Fastest Sector content writers have all teamed up to write a collaborative piece about women who are making a difference in the motorsport community.
Hannah Schmitz
Hannah Schmitz’s motorsports career began in November 2009, following her master’s graduation from the University of Cambridge where she studied mechanical engineering. After a year in simulation engineering, her first employment with an F1 team was through Red Bull Racing. During her 14-year career with Red Bull so far, she has showcased her abilities by leading the team to six Constructors’ Championship wins. The Oracle Red Bull Racing strategy department is led by Schmitz, who holds the role of Principal Strategy Engineer. Therefore, the team’s achievements in this time have been under Schmitz’s strategic plans. Adding to her excellent portfolio, Schmitz is also a ‘McLaren Applied Female Engineer of the Year’ award winner. Additionally, Schmitz is one of only a few women on the F1 pit wall, acting as a key gender diversity representative.
A memorable moment for Schmitz was the 2019 Brazilian Grand Prix. During the race, the Red Bull drivers were on the backfoot compared to Mercedes, until Bottas retired due to car issues causing a safety car. Schmitz, who was at that time the Senior Strategy Engineer, then made the executive decision to pit Max Verstappen for fresh soft tyres, relinquishing the on-track lead to Lewis Hamilton. Later, on lap 66, a collision between Charles Leclerc and Sebastian Vettel triggered another safety car, which meant that when Hamilton pitted he emerged fourth behind Verstappen, who was race leader. Schmitz celebrated this successful undercut on the podium following the race, collecting the Constructors’ trophy for her team.
Written by Frankie.
Jessica Hawkins
Jessica Hawkins is the Aston Martin team’s driver ambassador and their head of F1 Academy. She has had an expansive history in motorsports; from making her debut in the British Formula Ford in 2014 (claiming two top 10 finishes), to competing in the W Series and the British Touring Car Championship. Recently, she became the first female driver in five years to drive an F1 car. She is also the first ever woman to drive the latest generation of F1 cars in Saudi Arabia for their first demo run.
Hawkins has inspired many women to join the world of motorsports, and she commented:
“Since I drove the F1 car in Hungary last year, I have been contacted by lots of women and girls around the world asking how they can get involved.”
Source: Aston Martin
Written by Chloe.
Deborah Mayer
Deborah Mayer is a major player in global motorsport. From March 2022 until December 2023, she was a key figure in the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), holding the position of President of the FIA Women in Motorsport Commission. While in this position, she aimed to promote diversity while showcasing opportunities in motorsport to young women and girls during her tenure. Having been a part of this commission from 2010, Mayer consistently promoted the interests of women in the motorsport sphere. In this Commission, she worked in tandem with the FIA.
Mayer is also one of the Founders of Iron Lynx Motorsport Lab, leading the Iron Dames team in several racing categories. Her background in motorsport is not solely on a administrative level, as she previously raced in the GT3 category.
Written by Alexandra.
Marta García
Marta García López is a professional racing driver and was the F1 Academy Drivers’ Champion for the inaugural 2023 season. She became champion of the all-woman series with two races to spare. During her F1 Academy season, García had 21 starts, 7 wins, 12 podiums, 5 poles, and 6 fastest laps.
Speaking in an interview with F1 Academy, Garcia said:
“For young girls it’s super important to see role models like me and all of the other girls racing in F1 Academy because you need to have someone to look up to.”
Source: F1 Academy
At just 23 years old, the Spanish driver will be competing in the Formula Regional European Championship (FRECA) with Prema Racing for the 2024 season. Prior to becoming F1 Academy Champion, García had competed in the W-Series, F4 Spanish Championship, SMP F4 Championship, CIK-FIA Karting Academy Trophy, and the Trofeo delle Industrie kart race.
Written by Hannah.
Which influential women in the motorsport world inspire you? Leave a comment below telling us a bit about them.
Featured Photo Source: Pexels
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