Former Williams test driver Sussie Wolff has been appointed as the managing director of the Formula 1 Academy which aims to develop young female drivers in motorsport.
Wolff, who is the wife of Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff and one of the few female racers to be involved in F1, recently served as the team principal and CEO for the Venturi Formula E squad between 2018 and 2022.
The F1 Academy was launched at the 2022 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and Wolff in her new role, will report to F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali alongside F2 and F3 boss Bruno Michel.
Domenicali speaking on Wolff’s appointment 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.”
Wolff in her own remarks on the F1 website stated she wants the F1 Academy to inspire women via the race racetrack.
“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.”
A word from @f1academy's new Managing Director, @Susie_Wolff 🗣#F1 #F1Academy pic.twitter.com/n0L4HbykiD
— Formula 1 (@F1) March 1, 2023
The maiden F1 Academy season will feature seven rounds that commences at the Red Bull Ring in Austria on April 28 before concluding at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas in October.
