Susie Wolff: The Trailblazing Racing Driver and Formula E CEO
Susie Wolff, a Scottish former professional racing driver, is best known for being the first woman to take part in a Formula One race weekend in 22 years, as well as her current role as the Managing Director of F1 Academy. With a career spanning over two decades, Wolff has made a significant impact in the male-dominated world of motorsport.
Early Life and Career
Born on December 6, 1982, in Oban, Scotland, Susie Wolff's parents, John and Sally Stoddart, owned a motorcycle dealership where her father also raced competitively. Growing up, Wolff was exposed to the world of racing from a young age, with her parents encouraging her and her older brother, David, to participate in various motor sports. She realized her potential as a racing driver at the age of 13, after watching her first Formula 3 race.
Wolff pursued higher education, studying international business at Edinburgh University, but dropped out after a year to focus on her racing career. She began her professional racing career in karting, then moved to Formula Renault and Formula Three, eventually competing in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) for Mercedes-Benz.
Racing Career Highlights
Some of the notable highlights of Wolff's racing career include:
- In 2012, she was signed by Williams in Formula One as a development driver.
- In 2014, she became the first woman to take part in a Formula One race weekend in 22 years, participating in practice at the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.
- In 2015, she announced her retirement from professional racing, last competing at the Race of Champions.
Post-Racing Career
After retiring from racing, Wolff transitioned to a career in broadcasting, joining Channel 4 in the UK as an analyst for their Formula One coverage in 2016. In 2018, she joined Venturi Racing in Formula E as Team Principal, becoming the first female team principal in the sport. In 2021, she was promoted to CEO, making her one of the most prominent women in motorsport.
Awards and Honors
Wolff has received several awards and honors for her contributions to motorsport, including:
- Susie Wolff was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Science from the University of Edinburgh in 2017.
- In 2019, she was inducted into the Scottish Motorsport Hall of Fame.
Personal Life
Wolff is married to
Toto Wolff, a former co-owner of HWA AG and current Team Principal of Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport. The couple met while Wolff was racing for Mercedes-Benz in the DTM.
Throughout her career, Susie Wolff has been an inspiration to many, breaking barriers and paving the way for women in motorsport. Her dedication, perseverance, and passion for racing have made her a respected figure in the industry.
Legacy
Susie Wolff's impact on motorsport extends beyond her racing career. As a pioneering female figure in a male-dominated sport, she has inspired a generation of young drivers, both male and female. Her current role as Managing Director of F1 Academy will undoubtedly continue to shape the future of motorsport, providing opportunities for young drivers to develop their skills and pursue their dreams.
FAQ
What teams has Susie Wolff raced for?
Susie Wolff has raced for several teams including Williams F1, Venturi Racing, and Mücke Motorsport. She has also competed in the Formula 3 Euroseries and the British Formula Renault Championship.
What is Susie Wolffs most notable achievement in motorsport?
Susie Wolffs most notable achievement is probably becoming the first female driver to take part in a Formula 1 weekend in 22 years, when she drove for Williams F1 in a practice session at the 2014 British Grand Prix.
Has Susie Wolff competed in any endurance races?
Yes, Susie Wolff has competed in several endurance races, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the FIA GT Championship. She has also competed in the Electric Daisy Carnivals Robby Gordons Stadium Super Trucks event.
How fast has Susie Wolff driven?
Susie Wolff has driven at speeds of over 200mph (322km/h) during her Formula 1 testing and practice sessions with Williams F1.
What is Susie Wolff doing now after retiring from racing?
After retiring from professional racing, Susie Wolff went on to become a motorsport commentator and pundit. She has worked with several media organizations, providing insights into the sport and sharing her expertise with fans.
