Lella Lombardi

Lella Lombardi (1941–1992) was an Italian professional racing driver who broke barriers in motorsport during the 1970s. Born in Frugarolo, Italy, she began her racing career in Formula 3 before progressing to Formula 2, where she competed successfully throughout the late 1960s and early 1970s. Lombardi made her Formula One debut in 1975 and became the first woman ever to score championship points in Formula One, finishing 6th in the Spanish Grand Prix on April 27, 1975. Despite her groundbreaking achievement, she competed in only 16 Formula One races across two seasons due to the significant barriers facing women in professional motorsport at the time. Beyond Formula One, she continued racing in various series and became a respected figure in Italian motorsport. Lombardi's legacy extends beyond her technical achievements; she opened doors for future generations of female racing drivers and remains an icon of perseverance and pioneering spirit in a male-dominated sport. She passed away in 1992, but her historic accomplishment continues to inspire women in motorsport worldwide.