(Motorsport) Susie Wolff has been named new Managing Director of F1 Sports Academy as part of the organisation’s initiative to provide opportunities to young female drivers who aim to reach the highest level in motorsport. The role is meant to support the 15 F1 Academy drivers through this journey and Wolff will report directly to Formula 1 CEO and President Stefano Domenicali. She will be responsible for the development of female motorsport talent and create a successful pathway to progress into the motorsport ranks to reach Formula 1.
“The F1 Academy presents an opportunity to promote genuine 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 racetrack,” Wolff said. “There is a lot of work to be done but there is also a clear determination to get this right. In doing so, I believe the F1 Academy can represent something beyond racing.
“It can inspire women around the world to follow their dreams and realise that with talent, passion and determination, there is no limit to what they can achieve. This is also the start of an important new chapter in my career, combining the experience I have developed so far with my passion for diversity and empowerment, so I would like to thank Stefano for entrusting me with a role that means as much to me personally as it does professionally.”
Susie Wolff has previously been a professional racing driver, team leader as well as an advocate for women’s participation in all levels of motorsport. She has been a development driver for Williams Racing, represented DTM, Formula Renault and is leading the VENTURI Formula E team as Team Principal. Wolff launched Dare To Be Different in 2016, an initiative to inspire the next generation of girls to participate in all levels and aspects of motorsport.
“It is fantastic news that Susie Wolff is joining the F1 Academy as Managing Director,” Domenicali said. “Susie is an incredible person who understands what it takes to reach the highest levels of motorsport, both as a driver and Team Principal. “She has a wealth of experience and first-hand knowledge that will be of huge benefit to all of us and the drivers who are on their journey to progress through the racing pyramid. We are committed to maximising the opportunities in our sport for anyone to reach their true potential and achieve their dreams and we believe F1 Academy is a very important part of our plans to be a more diverse and inclusive sport.”
General Managing of the F1 Academy Bruno Michel will continue to report to Stefano Domenicali and run the operational aspects, a role that he has successfully done with Formula 2 and Formula 3. The inaugural season of F1 Drivers Academy was announced last week and will include seven rounds from April 28-9 in Spielberg, Austria and will conclude as a support series at the Lenovo United States Grand Prix in Austin on October 20-22.
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