Susie Wolff announced as Managing Director of F1 Academy

Susie Wolff has been announced as the Managing Director of the F1 Academy. Wolff joins ahead of the inaugural season of the all-female series, which aims to grow, develop and provide young female racers with an opportunity to move onto the higher levels of motor-racing. 

Wolff is a former professional racer, having competed in Formula Renault UK, the British Formula 3 Championship, and the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters, while also having served as a Test Driver for Formula One team Williams between 2013 and 2015.

Wolff has been brought in to improve the managerial structure and provide the series with her experience and insight. She has also served as the Team Principal for Formula E team Venturi in the past.

As the F1 Academy’s Managing Director, Wolff will be reporting directly to Formula One’s CEO and President, Stefano Domenicali. 

Wolff’s husband, Toto, is also involved in motorsports and currently serves as the Team Principal of German Formula One team Mercedes.

Speaking about her appointment, Susie 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.“

Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO, Formula One, commented:

“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 F1 Academy is an all-female driver series and is set to have 15 drivers on the grid, with the likes of ART, Campos Racing, Carlin, MP Motorsport and PREMA Racing all fielding three cars each. The competition aims to develop and grow the young female drivers and get them ready for the highest level of motorsport.

The inaugural F1 Academy season is set to have seven events with three races each, which means a total of 21 races and 15 days of testing. The season is set to kick off with the Austrian Grand Prix on April 29, 2023, with the season finale schedule to be the US Grand Prix in Austin, Texas on October 22, 2023.