Get to know Susie Wolff, Managing Director of F1 Academy, and her association with motorsports beyond Toto Wolff.
Some people may know Susie Wolff as Toto Wolff’s wife, but she has gained broader recognition in motorsports as an MBE, pioneer, and trailblazer.
Currently, she serves as the managing director of F1 Academy, but her journey began in 1990. Let’s delve into the highs and lows that paved the way for her current position.
Karting
At the age of 8, Susie Wolff began what turned out to be a very successful karting endeavour. Recognized for her talent at 14, Susie earned the 1996 British Woman Kart Racing Driver of the Year title.
1977 was yet another successful year for the Scot driver. Susie excelled in karting throughout the year, reclaiming the British Woman Kart Racing Driver of the Year title in 1977. Her remarkable achievements included securing the top spot in the 24-hour Middle East Kart Championship as well as both the Scottish Junior Intercontinental “A” and the Scottish Open Junior Intercontinental “A” categories. These victories were marked as the pinnacle of her successes for that year.
In 1998, she transitioned to the British Junior Intercontinental “A” Championship and made an impressive debut. She secured a commendable 10th place overall in her first season in the class. Simultaneously, she competed in the Federation Cup European Intercontinental “A” Championship, achieving a noteworthy 11th place overall. For the third consecutive season, she earned the distinguished title of British Woman Kart Racing Driver of the Year.
The subsequent year she participated in the British Formula “A” Championship, where she finished 13th overall. On the international stage, she claimed a commendable 34th place in the Formula “A” World Championships. The prestigious title of British Woman Kart Racing Driver of the Year was hers for the fourth time.
In 2000, Wolff continued to enhance her performances. The Scot secured 10th place in the British Formula “A” and 15th in the Formula “A” World Championships. Her exceptional achievements granted Wolff an award recognizing her as the Top Female Kart Driver in the world.
Formula Renault
In 2001, Wolff transitioned from kart racing to single-seater racing, marking her entry into the Formula Renault Winter Series. Competing for the Motaworld Racing team, she gained valuable experience. The following year saw her debut in the full Formula Renault UK Championship with DFR Racing. She concurrently represented Motaworld in the Formula Renault Winter Series.
In the 2003 season, Wolff not only finished a commendable 9th overall in the Formula Renault UK Championship but also secured her maiden podium finish. Her efforts were duly recognized as she became one of the finalists in the prestigious BRDC McLaren Autosport Young Driver of the Year Award. Additionally, Wolff was honoured with the title of BRDC Rising Star of the Year.
Entering her third season in the Formula Renault UK Championship in 2004, Wolff raced for Comtec Racing. She concluded the season impressively, finishing 5th overall in the final standings. Notably, she achieved three podium finishes and amassed points in 19 out of 20 races, further solidifying her position in the competitive racing world.
Formula Three
In 2005, Wolff progressed to the British Formula 3 Championship, joining Alan Docking Racing in the Championship Class. In the initial round of the season, she showcased her expertise and skill by scoring points in the first race. Unfortunately, her season faced disruptions due to an ankle injury sustained during the winter.
Despite the setback, Wolff demonstrated her versatility by making a one-off appearance in one round of the Porsche Carrera Cup GB at Brands Hatch in June. Impressively, she secured 7th place in both races during that round, showcasing her resilience and adaptability on the racing circuit.
DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters)
In 2006, Wolff entered the competitive realm of the DTM, joining Mücke Motorsport. Driving a 2004-spec Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe, she capped off her debut season with a notable achievement, securing a best finish of 9th overall in the season finale at the Hockenheimring – a circuit she has claimed as one of her favourites.
Continuing her DTM journey in 2007 with Mücke Motorsport, Wolff’s standout moment came at Mugello in Italy, where she clinched 10th place. Post the season, she made a strategic move, leaving Mücke Motorsport to join Persson Motorsport for the 2008 season.
With an upgraded 2007-specification car, Wolff’s 2008 highlight occurred at the Norisring in June, finishing 10th – a feat she repeated in 2009 at both the Norisring and Oschersleben.
The pinnacle of Wolff’s DTM career unfolded in 2010, her third season with Persson Motorsport. Noteworthy performances included a 7th-placed finish at Lausitz and a replication of this feat at the Hockenheimring, accumulating four points and securing 13th place in the Drivers’ Championship.
Persisting in the DTM for two more years with Persson Motorsport, Wolff bid farewell to the series in 2012. She made this decision ahead of the Hockenheimring finale, redirecting her focus solely towards her testing duties with Williams in Formula One.
Formula One & Race of Champions
On April 11, 2012, Susie Wolff entered a new chapter in her career. She was named a development driver for the Williams Formula One team. This marked a pivotal moment, setting the stage for her increased involvement in the years to come. In 2014, Williams announced that Wolff would participate in two free practice sessions at the British and German Grand Prix.
The British Grand Prix at Silverstone in 2014 became a historic one. Susie Wolff became the first woman to partake in an F1 weekend since 1992! Unfortunately, an engine problem cut short her time on the track after completing just one timed lap. Undeterred, she returned to the track on July 18, 2014, for a free practice session at the German GP. Overcoming initial car problems she finished in 15th place out of 22 cars. Susie was just two-tenths of a second behind teammate Felipe Massa.
Williams, recognizing Wolff’s contributions and potential, confirmed her continued association on November 28, 2014. For the 2015 season, they expanded her role to include two Friday practice runs and two test outings. Demonstrating her capabilities during pre-season testing, Wolff further solidified her presence during practice for the Spanish and British GPs.
On November 4, 2015, Susie Wolff announced her retirement from F1. Susie said that she felt she had reached her personal limits as a driver. However, she expressed a strong intention to champion and support other women in motorsport. Her final competitive appearance was set for the 2015 Race of Champions, where she partnered with David Coulthard. This marked the first time a female driver participated in ROC. Wolff concluded her illustrious career in motorsport with a retirement at the end of the 2015 season.
In 2016, Wolff embraced a fresh role as one of Mercedes‘ ambassadors. Demonstrating the high level of trust placed in her expertise, she was among the first individuals chosen to test the Mercedes-AMG One. A true testament to her significant influence in the industry.
Formula E
In 2018, Wolff stepped into a prominent role as Team Principal at Venturi Racing in Formula E. Concurrently, she also became a shareholder, underlining her dedication to the team’s success and growth.
The 2019–20 season witnessed Venturi’s strategic alliance with Mercedes-EQ in the realm of powertrain partnerships, showcasing Wolff’s forward-thinking approach and commitment to elevating the team’s performance.
Under Wolff’s astute leadership, Venturi Racing celebrated its most successful campaign in the 2020–21 season, accumulating an impressive 146 points. Edoardo Mortara’s stellar achievements resulted in securing the second spot in the Drivers’ World Championship. the Italian-French driver finished only seven points behind teammate and champion, Nyck de Vries.
In November 2021, Wolff’s role expanded to CEO, with Jérôme d’Ambrosio taking the reins as Team Principal for the 2021–22 season. However, in August 2022, Wolff announced her departure from Venturi. This decision aligned with the team’s strategic move to rebrand as Maserati MSG Racing starting from the 2022–23 season. Wolff’s tenure at Venturi left an indelible mark, characterized by significant achievements and strategic transformations within the Formula E world.
F1 Academy
On March 1, 2023, Susie Wolff assumed the pivotal role of managing director for the newly launched F1 Academy. F1 Academy is an all-female racing series designed to nurture and develop young drivers. The initiative fosters their progression to higher ranks of motorsport competition. Wolff’s extensive background, including her time as a development driver for the Williams Formula One team and her leadership at Venturi Racing in Formula E, uniquely positions her as the ideal candidate for steering the F1 Academy.
F1 Academy is purpose-built to ease the transition for young female drivers from karting to the single-seater ladder. With five teams boasting experience in Formula 2 and Formula 3, each entering three cars to form a 15-car grid, the series is poised to become a dynamic platform for talent cultivation.
The overarching goal of F1 Academy is to prepare and develop aspiring female drivers for higher levels of competition, encompassing F3, F2, and ultimately, F1. The recent success of Marta García, who clinched the inaugural F1 Academy Championship with a dominant season, shows the series’ effectiveness in fulfilling its initial expectations.
As part of the pathway established by F1 Academy, top-performing drivers have the opportunity to secure fully funded seats in the FRECA 2024 season. Additionally, FRECA has announced a season-long fourth entry for its top teams, contingent on signing a driver who finishes in the top three positions in the F1 Academy standings.
Looking ahead to the 2024 season, all ten F1 teams will be actively supporting a driver in the F1 Academy. Their distinctive liveries will be added to the F1 Academy cars. The remaining five drivers will receive support from other partners, collectively contributing to the continued growth and success of the F1 Academy under Susie Wolff’s capable leadership.
Promises kept
Susie Wolff’s commitment to championing and supporting women in motorsport extends far beyond her leadership at F1 Academy. Following her retirement from competitive racing, she co-founded Dare to be Different alongside Rob Jones, the CEO of the Motor Sports Association. Launched officially in January 2016, this non-profit organization is dedicated to enhancing the participation of women in motorsport.
Dare to be Different conducts events throughout the United Kingdom, inviting school girls aged eight to 14 to engage in motor racing-related activities. The initiative boasts a distinguished lineup of ambassadors. This includes former Williams Formula One Deputy Team Principal Claire Williams, Sky Sports News and Sky Sports F1 presenter Rachel Brookes, and racing driver Tatiana Calderón.
In February 2019, Dare to be Different partnered with the FIA Girls on Track initiative. This was to amplify its impact, emphasizing the constrained opportunities for girls in motorsport. The first collaborative event, FIA Girls on Track – Dare to be Different, unfolded at the 2019 Mexico City ePrix.
Founded by Susie Wolff in 2016, Dare to be Different has garnered global respect for its mission to increase female participation in all aspects of motorsport and other traditionally male-dominated industries.
This comprehensive program aims to provide young women between the ages of 8 and 18 with a positive experience in the world of motorsport, ultimately contributing to the long-term goal of increasing the number of women involved in the sport. Susie Wolff’s multifaceted efforts exemplify her unwavering dedication to empowering and inspiring the next generation of women in motorsport.
