We are at the end of the year 2022, and still, Vogue chose a Brazillian model with no connection to motorsport other than family or romantic relationships. When the W series is being shut down due to lack of funding, we need proper representation of women in auto racing more than ever.
Kelly Piquet, daughter of former Formula 1 champion Nelson piquet and current girlfriend of Red Bull driver Max Verstappen, was on the cover of Vogue magazine. Justifiably women who actually work in motorsport were upset.
Here are five Women who are a much better representation of women in the auto racing industry.
1. Jamie Chadwick
This 24-year-old British racer was the first female to win a British Formula 3 race. She is three times W series champion. She is also Development Driver in the Williams F1 team.
2. Susie Wolff
Currently, Venturi Formula E’s principal and CEO launched the “Dare to be different” initiative to bring about positive change in the racing industry. She participated in the 2014 Formula 1 British Grand Prix and was the first woman to do so in 22 years.
3. Danica Patrick
She is the first woman to win an IndyCar race and claim pole in NASCAR. She was in 3rd position in the Indy 500 in 2009, the only woman to do so til today.
4. Hanna Schmitz
Originally a mechanical engineer, Hannah Schmits started as a modeling and simulation engineer in the Red Bull team. Then she was the senior strategy engineer for a decade and played a crucial role in Max Verstappen’s win in the 2022 Hungarian Grand Prix. Now she is the principal strategy engineer.
5. Stefanie Travers
She was the first black woman to stand on the winner’s podium in F1 in 70 years. She works in the F1 Mercedez team trackside fluid engineer in collaboration with PETRONAS.