Iron Dames Overview
The Iron Dames are an Italian-Swiss auto racing and equestrian team founded in 2018 by French businesswoman Deborah Mayer. Based in Zug, Switzerland, the team competes primarily in sports car racing, entering series such as the FIA World Endurance Championship, European Le Mans Series, and Ferrari Challenge. As a subsidiary of DC Racing Solutions and affiliated with Prema Racing and Iron Lynx, the Iron Dames have become known for promoting women in motorsport and achieving historic milestones, including the first all-female lineup to win an FIA WEC race in 2023.
Founding and Organizational Origins
The Iron Dames were established in 2018 by Deborah Mayer with the goal of supporting and promoting women in motorsport. The team was created to provide opportunities for female drivers and to increase their visibility in the racing world. Early drivers included Rahel Frey, Michelle Gatting, and Manuela Gostner, who competed in events such as the 12 Hours of Dubai, where they placed second in the GT3 Pro-Am class. The team was initially part of the Kessel Racing operation before evolving into its own identity under the Iron Lynx banner.
Growth Into FIA World Endurance Championship Competition
The Iron Dames expanded their presence by entering the European Le Mans Series in 2019, racing under the Kessel Racing name. They quickly established themselves with strong performances, including multiple podiums and respectable finishes at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. In 2020, the team began competing under the Iron Lynx name, fielding all-female driver lineups in various series and making history with their participation in the Le Mans Cup and Ferrari Challenge. The team officially entered the FIA World Endurance Championship in 2022, running Ferrari 488 GTE Evo cars and continuing to support female talent across multiple racing disciplines.
Iron Dames Competitive Journey
Since their inception, the Iron Dames have steadily progressed through sports car racing tiers, developing competitive programs in endurance racing and branching into single-seater and rally disciplines. Their journey reflects a commitment to female driver development and competitive excellence across international motorsport series.
Early Seasons and Development (2018–2019)
The Iron Dames began competition with a focus on endurance racing, debuting in the 12 Hours of Dubai in 2018 with an all-female driver lineup. Their early success included a second-place finish in their class, signaling the potential of the team. In 2019, they entered the European Le Mans Series, achieving multiple podium finishes and solid performances at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. These formative years laid the foundation for the team’s growth and increased visibility in international motorsport.
Breakthrough in FIA World Endurance Championship (2022–2023)
The 2022 season marked a significant milestone as the Iron Dames entered the FIA World Endurance Championship’s GTE Am class with a Ferrari 488 GTE Evo. The team fielded drivers Rahel Frey, Michelle Gatting, and Sarah Bovy, achieving multiple podiums and securing third place in the GTE Am category. Sarah Bovy made history by becoming the first woman to claim pole position in WEC at Monza and Bahrain. In 2023, the Iron Dames achieved a landmark victory at the 8 Hours of Bahrain, becoming the first all-female lineup to win an FIA WEC race, a historic achievement for the team and women’s motorsport.
Modern Program and Current Direction (2024–Present)
In 2024, the Iron Dames expanded their operations, competing with Lamborghini machinery in the FIA World Endurance Championship and entering the Formula Regional European Championship with drivers Doriane Pin and Marta García. The team also ventured into rallying and equestrian sports, acquiring the Cannes Stars show jumping team for the 2024 season. Following the end of their partnership with Lamborghini, the Iron Dames aligned with Porsche for the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship, partnering with Manthey Racing. The team continues to support a diverse roster of drivers across endurance, single-seater, rally, and karting disciplines, emphasizing female talent development.
Philosophy and Competitive Strengths
The Iron Dames focus on fostering female participation in motorsport through competitive racing programs and driver development. Their strengths lie in endurance racing strategy, teamwork, and technical collaboration with established manufacturers and partners. The team excels in GT and endurance racing formats, leveraging strong driver lineups and engineering expertise.
Key Milestones and Major Moments
Key milestones for the Iron Dames include their second-place finish at the 12 Hours of Dubai in 2018, multiple podiums in the European Le Mans Series, Sarah Bovy’s historic pole positions in the WEC, and their groundbreaking 2023 FIA WEC race win with an all-female driver lineup. The team’s expansion into rallying and equestrian sports marks an important diversification of their competitive portfolio.
Iron Dames Achievements and Results
The Iron Dames have accumulated notable achievements in endurance and GT racing, including podium finishes in the European Le Mans Series and FIA World Endurance Championship. Their historic 2023 victory in the FIA WEC with an all-female lineup stands as a landmark accomplishment.
FIA World Endurance Championship Achievements
Since entering the FIA World Endurance Championship in 2022, the Iron Dames have secured multiple podium finishes and third place in the GTE Am teams’ championship. Their 2023 victory at the 8 Hours of Bahrain was the first by an all-female lineup in the series, highlighting their competitive rise and significance in the sport.
European Le Mans Series Achievements
The team achieved podium finishes in the European Le Mans Series during their early years, with the #83 Iron Dames car placing fourth overall in 2019 and securing class victories in subsequent seasons. These results contributed to the team’s reputation and growth in endurance racing.
Ferrari Challenge and Other Series Achievements
Michelle Gatting became the first female champion of the Ferrari Challenge in 2021 while representing the Iron Dames. The team also recorded dominant performances in the Ferrari Challenge Europe with driver Doriane Pin, who won multiple races and secured numerous pole positions and fastest laps. The Iron Dames have supported drivers in various single-seater and rally championships, expanding their competitive footprint.
Upcoming Projects (2025)
For 2025, the Iron Dames plan to continue their participation in the FIA World Endurance Championship with Porsche, partnering with Manthey Racing. The team will expand their rally program in the WRC2 and French Rally Championships and grow their equestrian squad by acquiring the Monaco Comets outfit. They will support sixteen drivers across endurance, single-seater, rally, and karting competitions, maintaining their commitment to female driver development and competitive excellence.