Susie Wolff

Managing Director of the F1 Academy

Biography:

Susie Wolff is a successful racing driver, motor racing team principal and diversity advocate. She made history in becoming the first woman in the modern era to compete in a Formula 1 race weekend, driving a Williams-Mercedes FW36 in practice for the 2014 British Grand Prix. In 2001, Susie embarked on her professional racing career in the Formula Renault UK Championship, where she scored three podiums and was twice nominated for the British Young Driver of the Year Award. Following a brief spell in Formula 3, she made her name with Mercedes-Benz in the DTM – the German Touring Car Championship – between 2006 and 2012.

In 2012, Susie ascended to the pinnacle of motorsport in Formula One, joining 16-times World Champions Williams Racing. Susie held the position of Development Driver for three seasons
before being promoted to the role of Test Driver for 2015. It was during her tenure at Williams that she became the first woman to take part in a Formula One race weekend for 22 years.
In October 2013, Susie was awarded an Honorary Fellowship at the University of Edinburgh in
recognition of her role as an ambassador for women in sport.

Retiring from action behind the wheel at the end of 2015, Susie made a personal commitment to increase the intake of women in motorsport across all areas. This led to the launch of Susie’s highly successful ‘Dare To Be Different’ initiative in collaboration with the UK Motorsport Governing Body and the Motor Sports Association.

In 2016, Susie became an ambassador for ‘She’s Mercedes’. Inspired by the German marque’s
‘Best or Nothing’ mantra, She’s Mercedes is a networking platform dedicated to inspiring,
connecting and empowering women to be their best.

Achievements:

• In 1996, aged just 13, she was named British Kart Racing Driver of the Year. With an impressive title under her belt and a clear taste for success, Susie then went on to win her first 24Hr Middle East Kart Championship and the Scottish Junior International “A” title in 1997. She held the British Women Kart Racing driver title for consecutive years and, in 2000, was awarded the title of Top Female Kart Driver in the World.

The speaker talks about:

Her aim is to develop and prepare young female drivers to progress to higher levels of competition.