Who is Susie Wolff, newly appointed managing director of the all-female F1 Academy?
Formula 1 has announced the appointment of Susie Wolff as the managing director of the F1 academy, a race series that aims to develop female drivers.
Formula 1 fans are looking forward to the Bahrain Grand Prix which opens the season this week, but 2023 will also offer something new to the racing world. In April, the organization’s newest project will kick off- the F1 Academy, a category dedicated to women to train and develop racing stars of the future.
Formula 1 has appointed Susie Wolff to join this new venture as managing director. She will be in charge of the female talents who are part of the category, focusing on their development towards a successful career in racing, with the hope of reaching the big categories of F1 in the short or medium term. She will report directly to the president and CEO of F1, Stefano Domenicalli.
BREAKING: @Susie_Wolff appointed Managing Director of @f1academy
— Formula 1 (@F1) March 1, 2023
A pioneer both on-track and in management off-track, Wolff will drive forward F1's commitment to maximising opportunities for female drivers in motorsport#F1 #F1Academy pic.twitter.com/XijjZJWkWH
Who is Susie Wolff?
Still very present in the Formula 1 paddock, Wolff has more than enough credentials in her resumé to take the reins of this new project, which will have seven main events throughout the season in addition to weekend races. She has extensive experience as a professional driver, a team leader, and a clear defender of women’s participation in the world of motorsports. She was a development driver for Williams in F1, competed in Formula Renault and was in command of the Venturi Formula E team as team director.
“F1 Academy represents an opportunity to drive true change in our industry by creating the best possible structure to find and nurture female talent on their journey to the elite levels of motorsport, both on and off the track,” according to Wolff.
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The F1 Academy calendar is here! 🗓️
— F1 Academy (@f1academy) February 23, 2023
Starting in April, the inaugural season will see us take on 21 races at seven iconic circuits, finishing in Austin where we will support @F1's US Grand Prix 🤩✨#F1Academy pic.twitter.com/DsE24fsp4H
“Much work remains to be done, but there is also a clear determination to get it right. In doing so, I believe that the F1 Academy can represent more than just racing. You can inspire women around the world to follow their dreams and realize that with talent, passion and determination, there are no limits to what they can achieve.”
Wolff said that she will combine her racing experience with her passion for diversity and empowerment as she works towards the success of the project.
The F1 Academy season will kick off on April 28 and 29 in Spielberg, Austria, and will wrap up the year with a race in Austin, Texas, which will take place from Oct. 20 to 22, 2023.