While Kim Kardashian's appearances at Formula 1 races have drawn recent attention, the history of partners supporting drivers in the sport extends back decades, featuring women who were integral to their partners' careers in varied ways. These early figures, often referred to as 'WAGs' (Wives and Girlfriends), were not merely spectators but active participants, contributing to timekeeping, lap scoring, and providing crucial emotional support.
Nina Rindt, wife of Austrian driver Jochen Rindt, is cited as one of Formula 1's first 'It couples' alongside her husband. A Finnish model with a background in fashion and a connection to a family of racers and tennis players, Rindt paused her education to support Jochen. In the early days of Formula 1, she was involved in keeping time and lap scoring for her husband. The couple, affectionately known as 'Beauty and the Beast,' were a prominent fixture, with Nina often photographed in the pit lane. Jochen Rindt remains the only driver to win the world championship posthumously after his fatal crash in 1970. Nina later married Alexander Nelson Hood, 4th Viscount Bridport.
Another notable figure from the 1960s was Lady Helen Stewart, wife of Sir Jackie Stewart. Described as the 'original pit lane girl,' she attended every race and served as her husband's professional stopwatch, timing his laps. Helen, an actress in her own right, met Sir Jackie as a teenager, and they remained married for over 50 years. The couple lived a glamorous life, dividing their time between the UK and Switzerland, and maintained friendships with figures like Princess Anne. Following Lady Helen's diagnosis with frontotemporal dementia, Sir Jackie established the Race Against Dementia charity.
In the 1970s, supermodel Suzy Miller became the wife of James Hunt, a celebrated British racing driver. Their wedding in 1974 was a significant society event. Miller, known for her striking presence and charm, met Hunt in Spain and married him after a whirlwind romance. However, the marriage was short-lived, with Miller later leaving Hunt for actor Richard Burton. Hunt, who was later portrayed by Chris Hemsworth in the film 'Rush,' died in 1993.
The 1950s saw the glamorous pairing of American actress Louise King and British driver Peter Collins. They met in Miami and married within a week. Collins, a rising star with Ferrari, tragically died in a crash in Germany in 1958, just weeks after the couple had purchased their first home. Louise later remarried and continued her acting career.
Lady Susie Moss, wife of British F1 legend Sir Stirling Moss, met her husband at a young age, with their families being close. Despite an age gap, their friendship blossomed into romance, and they married in 1980. They spent four decades together, traveling the world and attending various events. Sir Stirling passed away in 2020, and Susie died three years later, with her sister describing her death as being from a 'broken heart'.
These women played a vital role in the early days of Formula 1, offering support and often direct assistance to their partners. Their stories highlight a period where the personal lives of drivers and their partners were more closely interwoven with the sport's development and public image, a contrast to the celebrity-driven narratives of today.