South African · Brakpan, South Africa · Born 26 November 1953South African racing driver who became the first and only woman to win a Formula 1 race, achieving victory at Brands Hatch in 1980.
The only woman to win an open Formula racing event — Desirée Wilson won the Aurora AFX Formula One Series race at Brands Hatch in 1980, the only female winner of an open Formula race to date, and a competitor in the 1980 British Grand Prix. Formula 1 combines driver skill with engineering excellence to produce performance at the absolute limit of what is physically possible. Career highlights included Only woman to win an open Formula race (1980, Brands Hatch), 1980 British Grand Prix competitor, South African racing pioneer. The dedication required to reach and maintain elite level in formula1 is rarely appreciated by outside observers, yet Desire's record speaks precisely to that kind of sustained commitment. Across a career of sustained excellence, Desire established a legacy that endures in the record books and the broader history of formula1.
Only woman to win an open Formula race and compete in British Grand Prix
How They Played
Determined and skilled racing driver breaking gender barriers
Lasting Impact
Trailblazer for women in Formula 1 and motorsport
Career Honours
- Only woman to win an open Formula race (1980, Brands Hatch)
- 1980 British Grand Prix competitor
- South African racing pioneer
| Constructor | Season(s) | Races |
|---|---|---|
| South African Formula Vee (privateer) | 1972–1974 | — |
| South African Formula Ford (privateer) | 1975–1976 | — |
| Formula Ford 2000 – Benelux/British Championships (privateer) | 1977 | — |
| Mario Deliotti Racing (Aurora AFX F1 Championship – Ensign N175) | 1978 | 5 |
| Melchester Racing (Aurora AFX F1 Championship – Tyrrell 008) | 1979 | — |
| Theodore Racing / Teddy Yip (Aurora AFX F1 Championship – Wolf WR4) | 1980 | — |
| RAM Racing (F1 World Championship – Williams FW07, British GP) | 1980 | 1 |
| Alain de Cadenet (World Sportscar Championship – De Cadenet LM1) | 1980 | — |
| Tyrrell Racing (South African GP – Tyrrell 010) | 1981 | 1 |
| Theodore Racing / Teddy Yip (CART IndyCar – Eagle-Cosworth, Indianapolis 500) | 1982 | — |
| Ford / Jonathan Palmer (IMSA – Ford C100, Brands Hatch 1000km) | 1982 | 1 |
| Wysard Racing (CART IndyCar – March 83C-Cosworth) | 1983–1984 | — |
| Moretti Momo Team (IMSA GTP – March 83G-Porsche) | 1983 | 3 |
| Machinists Union (CART IndyCar – March) | 1986 | — |
| Saleen Motorsport (SCCA/IMSA – Saleen Mustang) | 1987–1988 | — |
| Women's Le Mans Team (FIA Sportscar World Championship – Spice SE90C-Cosworth) | 1991 | 1 |
| North American Super Touring Car Championship (Mazda Xedos) | 1997 | — |
| Career Total | — | 12 |
South African Athletes