Sadly died in 2016 after a period of poor health. Maria Teresa was, until onset of illness, still involved in historic events and administration at her base in Bergamo. Forever remembered as the first woman to race in the World Championship, de Filippis is of Spanish ancestry on her maternal side, and of noble stock on her paternal side. Originally she took part in equestrian events, but in 1948, supported by her brothers who raced, she took part in her first hillclimb, before moving into sportscar racing. Although her graduation to Formula 1 owed a fair bit to her romantic involvement with Luigi Musso, in truth, this does her a disservice as she was not without ability. She retired from the sport after Jean Behra was killed in 1959.

Biography last updated 20 Jan 2016