MONTREAL — Susie Wolff has made headlines as the most recent female driver to grace a Formula One car during a Grand Prix weekend, and she is determined to ensure that she isn’t the last to do so.
In a celebrated career, Wolff participated in free practice sessions four times, debuting with Williams at the British Grand Prix in 2014, making her the first woman to compete in F1 since 1992. Now, as the managing director of F1 Academy—which launched with F1’s support in 2023—she aims to bolster the presence of female drivers in the motorsport realm.
“F1 Academy is an incredible opportunity to positively impact the sport,” Wolff expressed. “I never envisioned witnessing an all-female series funded by F1 and supported by all ten teams during race weekends.”
F1 Academy stands as the premier women’s racing series, succeeding the W Series, which disbanded in 2022. The initiative is aimed at young female drivers aged 16 to 25, allowing them to race for two seasons in a single-seater F4 format. With recent partnerships, such as with Gatorade, the Academy is set to flourish, having kicked off its inaugural races at the Canadian GP.
Wolff enthusiastically noted the enthusiasm from fans, “We love it. We’re feeling so much love here. So much passion from the fans.” The series is scheduled to return to Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on Grand Prix weekends through 2028.
Despite the challenges, Wolff remains optimistic. “It’s tough to get to Formula One, regardless of your gender,” she acknowledged, but she pointed out the increasing number of women in various roles within the sport, suggesting a gradual yet steady evolution for female representation in F1.
The F1 Academy serves as a springboard for future female talents in motorsport. Wolff emphasized the necessity of breaking financial barriers that often hinder participation, aiming to create pathways that facilitate success for young drivers.
Reflecting on her journey since 2014, Wolff noted the significant changes in the sport, expressing pride in paving the way for future generations. “We’ve witnessed substantial positive change, and the sport has evolved alongside it,” she said.
Despite never starting a race in F1—joining only two women in the history of the sport who have competed—Wolff remains committed to her objectives for the F1 Academy: expanding its audience and inspiring more women to take part in racing.
She emphasized that educating the public about the existence of the Academy and the excitement it offers will inspire more young women to enter the competitive space of motorsports. Notably, the fan base has seen a shift, with women making up 42 percent of global followers.
Additionally, exposure through initiatives like “F1: The Academy,” a docuseries on Netflix inspired by the success of “Drive To Survive,” illustrates the growing visibility of female participants in the sport.
Wolff concluded with optimism about the future: “We’ve still got a long way to go, but we’ve definitely seen progress. This journey represents hope and a transformative era for women in motorsport.”