Tatiana Calderon: From Karting to Formula 1

Born in Colombia in 1993, Tatiana Calderon started her motorsport journey in 2005, winning the Easy Kart Pre-Junior series. She became the first woman to win in the Stars of Karting Championship’s JICA category in the U.S. By 2017, she was a development driver for the Sauber Formula One team, and a year later, she was promoted to test driver for Alfa Romeo Racing.

Tamara Vidali: Champion in Italian Touring Cars

Vidali made history in 1992, winning the Italian Touring Car Championship (Group N) behind the wheel of an Alfa Romeo 33 1.7 Quadrifoglio Verde. She later competed in the Italian Superturismo Championship with the legendary yellow Alfa Romeo 155.

Maria Grazia Lombardi & Anna Cambiaghi: Formula 1 and European Touring Car Pioneers

Maria Grazia “Lella” Lombardi was the second Italian woman to compete in Formula 1, racing in 13 Grand Prix events. She remains the only Italian woman to have scored points in F1. She later raced in the European Touring Car Championship with Alfa Romeo GTV6 2.5, alongside Anna Cambiaghi.

Christine Beckers & Liane Engeman: Masters of the GTA

Christine Beckers showcased her talent in the unpredictable Alfa Romeo GTA-SA, winning in Houyet in 1968. Dutch driver Liane Engeman also made waves with Alfa Romeo, later becoming a model for the brand.

Susanna “Susy” Raganelli: The Only Woman to Win a World Karting Championship

In 1966, Italian driver Susy Raganelli became the only woman to win a World Karting Championship, beating future F1 star Ronnie Peterson. She later raced an Alfa Romeo GTA and was the first owner of the iconic Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale.

Ada Pace (“Sayonara”): The Stealth Racer

Torino-born Ada Pace raced under the pseudonym “Sayonara,” securing 22 victories in the 1950s. She dominated with Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Veloce and Giulietta SZ, winning the 1958 Trieste-Opicina race.

Odette Siko: The 24 Hours of Le Mans Heroine

In 1932, Odette Siko drove an Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 SS to a 4th place overall finish at Le Mans, winning the 2-liter category. She was one of the pioneering female endurance racers.

Hellé Nice: The Bold Showwoman of Racing

A model, acrobat, and dancer, Hellé Nice became a racing icon, competing in Europe and America. In 1933, she raced an Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Monza at the Italian Grand Prix, becoming one of the first drivers to sport sponsor logos.

Anna Maria Peduzzi: The Ferrari-Connected Racer

Racing for Scuderia Ferrari, Peduzzi competed in the Mille Miglia and later raced Alfa Romeo 1900 Sprint and Giulietta models.

Maria Antonietta d’Avanzo: The Baroness Who Battled Enzo Ferrari

The original female racing pioneer, Baroness Maria Antonietta d’Avanzo, raced an Alfa Romeo G1 in 1921 and went head-to-head with a young Enzo Ferrari. She continued racing until the 1940s.

A Legacy of Speed and Courage
These women proved that racing isn’t just for men—it’s for those with passion, skill, and an unstoppable drive. Alfa Romeo’s tribute reminds us that motorsport history was shaped not just by legendary cars, but by the fearless women who dared to race them.