Former Williams Racing reserve driver Susie Wolff, Team Principal of the Venturi Racing ABB FIA Formula E Team, has been named Managing Director of the F1 Academy, set up to help female racing drivers make it into Formula One.
Speaking about the news Wolff said:
“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. 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.”
Bruno Michel, General Manager F1 Academy, said:
“It is great news for the F1 Academy to have Susie joining us ahead of the start of our first season. She will be invaluable to me and my team as well as all of the drivers. We can’t wait to get started on the track with this exciting new chapter that will provide another route into the pyramid system for talented female drivers. I am of the strong view that if we give these drivers the same amount of time and experience as any other driver, they can make their way to higher levels in our sport. Our aim is to prepare the drivers that come into the Academy to be ready to progress to the next category within the next three years and we hope their skill and drive will inspire others to follow this path.“
Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, said:
“It is fantastic news that Susie Wolff is joining the F1 Academy as Managing Director. 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.“
The inaugural season for the F1 Academy was announced last week and will include seven rounds starting on 28-29 April in Spielberg, Austria and ending as a support series at the FORMULA 1 LENOVO UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX 2023 in Austin on 20-22 October.