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Parc Fermé: The Female Mechanic Who Smashed F1’s Glass Ceiling

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Episode notes

This is Unsung. Introducing the sports stars you don’t know, telling the stories you can’t miss.

In episode four, we’re featuring F1 mechanics, and the inspirational story of one in particular.

Despite Formula One being, ostensibly, a mixed-gender sport, the last woman to drive in a Grand Prix was nearly half a century ago, when Lella Lombardi came 12th at the 1976 Austrian Grand Prix.

This lack of female visibility has had a knock-on effect off the grid, too. In 2018, just 28% of all F1 employees were female. And you’ll find very few of those in the pit lane. In 2021, reigning champions Mercedes’ had a core race team of 65. Only four were women.

If F1 has long been seen as an "old boys’ club," then it’s a reputation that is largely deserved. And so, for many years, it’s been rare that any young girl sees the sport as an attractive career option. But occasionally, one comes along, prepared for the battle that awaits.

Like Emilie Rath, who spent ten long years on a journey to make it into the F1 pit lane. Find out how she did it in Parc Fermé: The female mechanic who smashed F1’s glass ceiling.

If you enjoyed the podcast, then be sure to get a copy of the Unsung: Not All Heroes Wear Kits. Written by Alexis and published by Pitch Publishing, Unsung is available from all your favourite book outlets.

Along with more from Formula 1 mechanics, you’ll be able to read never-before-told tales from Winter Olympics snow makers, rugby medics, anti-doping officials, cycling moto pilots, and more from sport’s unheralded heroes. Head to unsungbook.com for more information.

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Quotes:

"I'm a 14-year-old girl from Denmark who wants to be a mechanic and I don't even know the difference between a bolt and a nut."

"I started watching a lot more F1. Like live, breathe, eat F1, and I realised very quickly that it was really only the grid girls that were there, and maybe a few boss ladies in the pit lane. But that was more on the strategy side of it. I couldn't actually see anyone in a race suit. So slowly, it started to click for me that maybe this is a bit unusual. And maybe this is going to be a bit harder than expected. But who doesn’t love a good challenge, you know?"

"I come into this workshop. At that point, I'm 18. I'm blonde, the first female they ever had. And the first thing I think I say to these guys is 'don't get used to having me around because I'm going to become a Formula One mechanic.' That was the start of four very long years”.

"I have never been screamed at that much in my life. I mean, that was the most uncomfortable moment in my entire life."

"I remember my first race because I've never been that sick in my life. Oh my god, the nerves."

Explore more

First Singapore night race, 2008

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/video.f1-tv-archive-extended-race-highlights-singapore-2008.1745114575684992206.html

Lella Lombardi, the last woman to drive in F1.

https://www.facebook.com/Motorsport.tvUK/videos/remembering-lella-lombardi-today-the-only-female-f1-driver-to-score-points-she-a/345277440857989/

Former F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone in sexism row

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvFiOhb6yv8

Manor F1 enter administration.

https://www.skysports.com/watch/video/10719665/manor-f1-enter-administration

Australian Grand Prix, 2018