From Formula Ford to Formula 1- Empowering Women in The Automotive Industry

Jul 8, 2024

Empowering women in the automotive industry is crucial for fostering innovation, diversity, and inclusion within this dynamic field. By supporting women in roles ranging from engineering and design to leadership and entrepreneurship, we not only break down gender barriers but also harness a wealth of untapped talent and perspectives. Encouraging and nurturing female participation in the automotive industry paves the way for a more equitable and progressive future, driving both technological advancements and cultural shifts that benefit the entire industry.

Today we chat about the incredible

LORINA MCLAUGHLIN

Lorina is one of the UK’s most successful female drivers. She currently drives the ex-Michael Schumacher 1992 Benetton B192 Formula 1 car. Given her pace, there is no doubt that Lorina would have been competitive in F1 had she been given the chance.

Lorina was also the first woman to win the BP ‘Man of the Meeting Award’ as a result of which the title had to be changed to ‘Driver of the Meeting Award’.She is also one of only a handful of ladies to hold full membership of the prestigious British Racing Drivers’ Club and is was voted

President of the British Women Racing Drivers Club at the end of 2018.

Driving Formula 1 cars both in the UK and Europe, Lorina is a regular fixture at the big historic motorsport events including the hillclimb at the Goodwood Festival of Speed where she has won the Ladies' Award on numerous occasions. She is certainly the only female who has driven so many different F1 cars throughout her career, including James Hunt’s Marlboro McLaren M23, Denny Hulme’s Yardley McLaren M19, Arrows A9 Turbo, Arrows A10 Turbo, Toleman Benetton, Osella FA1D and of course her own current car the ex-Michael Schumacher Benetton B192.

During her career, she has won numerous races, held lap records and has been lucky enough to have raced twice at the Historic Monaco race in her ex-James Hunt Marlboro McLaren, coming 8th

out of 30. She came 4th in both the Pau Historique Grand Prix and was just pipped to a podium place in the Historic F1 race at the French Grand Prix at Magny Cours.

Lorina travelled to Azerbaijan for the inaugural Baku City Classic Grand Prix in the Benetton and to the USA when she guest drove the ex-John Watson March 711 F1 car at Laguna Seca in the

American F1 Series.Currently, Lorina takes part in the UK and in Europe mainly driving in F1 Demonstration events in the Benetton which she organises for THE FORCE – The Historic European Formula One Race Car Entrants.