Who are the five women taking part in the 24 Hours of Le Mans?
To date, five women have entered the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Among them, two will be making their baptism of fire this year.
Every year, they are in the minority. By a large margin, even. But they try to make a place for themselves in this male-dominated world. For the 2025 edition, five women will be at the start of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Four will be driving a GT3. The other will be in an LMP2.
For the moment, not all crews are complete, which leaves a space for a sixth woman.
Jamie Chadwick
The British woman is no stranger to the world of motorsport. The young woman, backed by Williams F1, dominated the W Series. In three editions of this championship, she was crowned three times.
After her adventure in this women-only series, she headed to the United States to compete in Indy NXT, the feeder series for IndyCar. One season to learn, another to perform. Although 2023 was not spectacular, she eventually achieved her first victory, first pole position, and her first two podiums in this category. She finished the 2024 season in seventh place before embarking on a new venture.
Since the beginning of the year, she has been associated with IDEC Sport for the ELMS (European Le Mans Series) championship. The first race is scheduled for this weekend of April 4, 5, and 6. Jamie Chadwick is competing in LMP2 and will participate in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in this category.
Célia Martin
A new arrival. The Frenchwoman is discovering the World Endurance Championship this season after participating in the Le Mans Cup in 2024. Her great strength is knowing both the Le Mans track and the Porsche GT3 since she drove this car last year alongside Karen Gaillard.
To familiarize herself with her new teammates, she was engaged in the Asian Le Mans Series this winter alongside Michelle Gatting. Rahel Frey was not part of the trio; she was replaced by Sarah Bovy, who has taken a new direction since her reclassification.
In June, she will take part in the event driving the Porsche #85. To continue learning, she will have two six-hour races: Imola and Spa.
Rahel Frey
The most experienced of the group. Rahel Frey, long before joining the Iron Dames, had already participated in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. In 2010, she notably took part in the event driving a Ford GT. The Swiss and 100% female trio withdrew at the beginning of the night due to engine failure.
Accustomed to the world of endurance, Switzerland has participated in the ELMS, ALMS, IMSA, the 24 Hours of Spa, and of course the WEC.
Michelle Gatting
And now, the full trio. Michelle Gatting will share the wheel of the Iron Dames’ Porsche with Rahel Frey and Célia Martin. The Dane certainly has the best driving skills in the crew.
Over the years, she has managed to build an impressive track record. In 2021, she became the first woman to win the Ferrari Challenge Europe Trofeo.
Like her teammate Rahel Frey, the world of endurance racing is an integral part of her life. She has participated in over 100 races and has won about ten times.
Lilou Wadoux
Her life could have taken a different trajectory. Initially focused on tennis, an injury prevented her from continuing. She then developed a passion for motorsport and quickly climbed the ranks. The young Frenchwoman was noticed by Peugeot, with whom she spent two seasons in the 208 Racing Cup before moving up to the next level with the 308 for touring car races.
Spotted by Alpine, she achieved great feats with the Dieppe brand. After honorable results in the Alpine Elf Europa Cup, Philippe Sinault and Richard Mille placed their trust in her and gave her a seat in LMP2 with the Richard Mille Racing Team.
Having joined Ferrari in GT3, she became the first woman to win a race in the World Endurance Championship.
At 24 years old, she will already have three participations in the world’s largest endurance race.
