Sauber test driver Calderon handed debut F1 outing

In what’s been described as ‘a milestone moment’ for female participation in Formula 1, Sauber have announced that GP3 racer Tatiana Calderon will drive their C37 F1 car in a promotional event in Mexico on Tuesday.

The Colombian driver, who has worked with the Swiss team for the past two seasons, currently as test driver, will be free to complete up to 100 kilometres at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, marking the first time a female driver from Latin America will get behind the wheel of a contemporary F1 car.

“I am very thankful and excited about the opportunity given to me by the Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team, Escuderia Telmex, Telcel, Infinitum and Claro to drive a Formula One car for the first time in my career,” said Calderon.

“Since I started racing, my dream and goal has been to drive at the highest level one day. It will be an incredible experience to discover the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez from the cockpit of the Sauber C37 in Mexico City. As a Latin American driver, there could not be a more special place for me to make my debut behind the wheel of a Formula One car.”

Sauber Team Principal Frederic Vasseur added: “We are pleased to announce that Tatiana Calderon will be driving our car during a Promotional Event in Mexico. Over the past two years of our collaboration, Tatiana has proved to be a valuable part of our team by continuously showing her dedication to our project, as well as a very strong work ethic and enthusiasm for our sport.”

The last female driver to attempt to qualify for an F1 race was Giovanna Amati in 1992 – the last to actually start a Grand Prix (and the only to score a point) was Lella Lombardi in 1976. Susie Wolff was the last female driver to take part in an F1 session, taking part in FP1 four times with Williams in 2014 and 2015.