The AWA (Automotive Women Association) project takes shape in the unique context of the Monaco Grand Prix Historique, thanks to the expert coordination and supervision of the Racing & Classic team.
The dream of bringing a team of all-female mechanics to a historic Formula 1 weekend has become a reality thanks to the participation of Lucrezia Milanesi and Daria Gavriliu, who were directly involved in the pits at one of the most iconic events of the year.
The shared vision of Gigi Taverna (owner of Racing & Classic) and Monica Zanetti (co-founder of AWA) was crucial in making this experience possible. Lucrezia Milanese and Daria Gavriliu were thus able to experience a highly formative journey, working closely with technical coordinator Salvatore Cabras and sporting director and communications manager Riccardo Paterni, supported from Italy by Luca Greco and Anna Mangione.
The race weekend required a great deal of adaptability. After Francesco Macrì, driver of the 1954 Lancia Marino F1, crashed in qualifying and was forced to retire, the team quickly reorganized its operations. AWA mechanics also supported the management of the 1946 Cisitalia D46, driven by Davide Leone, who nevertheless set his fastest time of the weekend.
Valerio Leone, driving the 1983 Arrows A6, also put in a strong performance. Starting from seventh place out of 25 cars, after a collision in qualifying, he faced a challenging race, marked by a safety car and a red flag in the early laps. Thanks to clear-headed restart management and precise work from the pit crew, he mounted a steady comeback to finish a well-deserved fourth place.
This result demonstrates the strength of teamwork and the value of a project that combines training, inclusion, and technical expertise. The entire AWA team thanks Gigi Taverna and the Racing & Classic Team for making this experience possible.