# Maria Teresa de Filippis

> Italian racing driver (1926–2016)

**Wikidata**: [Q171572](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q171572)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maria_Teresa_de_Filippis)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/maria-teresa-de-filippis

## Summary
Maria Teresa de Filippis was an Italian racing driver, best known as the first woman to compete in Formula One. She broke gender barriers in motorsport during the 1950s, participating in five World Championship Grand Prix races and achieving notable success in other racing categories.

## Biography
- **Born:** November 11, 1926
- **Died:** January 8, 2016
- **Nationality:** Italian
- **Known for:** Being the first woman to compete in Formula One
- **Field(s):** Motorsport, racing

## Contributions
Maria Teresa de Filippis made history by becoming the first woman to compete in Formula One, participating in five World Championship Grand Prix races between 1958 and 1959. She drove for teams like Maserati and Porsche, achieving a highest finish of 10th place at the 1958 Belgian Grand Prix. Beyond Formula One, she competed in various other racing categories, including sports car racing, where she achieved podium finishes. Her career paved the way for future female racers in a male-dominated sport.

## FAQs
**Who was Maria Teresa de Filippis?**
Maria Teresa de Filippis was an Italian racing driver and the first woman to compete in Formula One, breaking gender barriers in motorsport during the 1950s.

**When did Maria Teresa de Filippis compete in Formula One?**
She competed in five World Championship Grand Prix races between 1958 and 1959, driving for teams like Maserati and Porsche.

**What was Maria Teresa de Filippis's highest finish in Formula One?**
Her highest finish in Formula One was 10th place at the 1958 Belgian Grand Prix.

**What other racing categories did Maria Teresa de Filippis compete in?**
Beyond Formula One, she competed in sports car racing and other motorsport categories, achieving podium finishes.

**What is Maria Teresa de Filippis's legacy in motorsport?**
She is remembered as a trailblazer for women in motorsport, proving that women could compete at the highest levels of racing during a time when the sport was overwhelmingly male-dominated.

## Why They Matter
Maria Teresa de Filippis's participation in Formula One was a groundbreaking achievement that challenged gender norms in motorsport. Her presence in the sport during the 1950s inspired future generations of female racers and demonstrated that women could excel in high-performance racing. Her legacy continues to influence discussions about gender equality in motorsport and beyond.

## Notable For
- First woman to compete in Formula One
- Participated in five World Championship Grand Prix races (1958–1959)
- Drove for Maserati and Porsche in Formula One
- Achieved a highest finish of 10th place at the 1958 Belgian Grand Prix
- Competed in sports car racing with podium finishes
- Trailblazer for women in motorsport

## Body
### Early Life and Career Beginnings
Maria Teresa de Filippis was born on November 11, 1926, in Italy. She developed a passion for racing early in her life and began competing in motorsport events during the 1950s, a time when female racers were rare.

### Formula One Career
De Filippis made history in 1958 when she became the first woman to compete in a Formula One World Championship Grand Prix. She participated in five races between 1958 and 1959, driving for teams like Maserati and Porsche. Her highest finish was 10th place at the 1958 Belgian Grand Prix, a remarkable achievement given the competitive nature of the sport and the gender barriers she faced.

### Sports Car Racing and Other Achievements
Beyond Formula One, de Filippis competed in sports car racing, where she achieved podium finishes. Her success in these categories further solidified her reputation as a skilled and determined racer.

### Legacy and Impact
Maria Teresa de Filippis's career had a lasting impact on motorsport. She broke gender barriers and inspired future generations of female racers. Her achievements are often cited in discussions about gender equality in sports, and she remains a symbol of perseverance and excellence in racing.

### Later Life and Death
De Filippis passed away on January 8, 2016, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence motorsport. Her contributions to the sport are remembered and celebrated, particularly for her role in paving the way for women in racing.

## References

1. [Morta Maria Teresa de Filippis, fu la prima donna in F.1. La Gazzetta dello Sport. 2016](https://www.gazzetta.it/Formula-1/09-01-2016/morta-maria-de-filippis-fu-prima-donna-f1-140204768330.shtml)
2. [Maria Teresa de Filippis. Enciclopedia delle donne](http://www.enciclopediadelledonne.it/biografie/maria-teresa-de-filippis/)
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. Statsf1.com