Susie Wolff, now the CEO of the F1 Academy, has shared her long battle to make her mark in motorsport — a journey filled with loneliness, prejudice, and moments of deep struggle. From coming close to a Formula 1 debut to leading a new generation of young female drivers, Wolff reflects on a career built on resilience and determination, convinced that the paddock’s future will finally be more inclusive.
From loneliness to the fight for equality
Susie Wolff’s story is one of a woman who had to face isolation and gender bias in a male-dominated world. From her early karting days racing against Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg to her struggles with sponsors and stereotypes, Susie fought to be recognized for her talent — not as a “female exception.”
“There was a deep sense of loneliness in karting, and definitely in single-seaters, because nobody else was experiencing what I was going through,” Wolff recalled. As a teenager, she often found herself as the only girl on the grid, racing wheel-to-wheel with future Formula 1 stars like Hamilton and Rosberg.
Her path was filled with obstacles: sponsors who wanted her in pink cars, “cute” photo shoots, and the constant label of being a tomboy. “I just wanted to be seen as a driver,” she explained, describing the frustration of having to prove herself beyond gender expectations.
The support of her husband Toto Wolff was key
Susie also revealed how the encouragement of her husband, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, helped her remain authentic throughout her journey. “Be yourself. If that means wearing a dress, wear a dress. Being authentic is the easiest way to go through life,” he told her — advice that became a cornerstone of her approach to both racing and leadership.
Between fears, missed chances, and new challenges
In 2007, Susie experienced a disturbing incident when a powerful figure from Formula 1 knocked on her hotel room door late at night. “I was lucky he didn’t come in, but people need to understand how frightening that was,” she said, recalling one of the lowest moments of her career.
Her career also brought moments of painful near-success. In 2015, as Williams’ test driver, she was on the verge of replacing the injured Valtteri Bottas — only for the team to choose Adrian Sutil instead. “If you don’t give me this chance now, you’ll never give it to me,” she remembered thinking.
Today, as head of the F1 Academy, Susie Wolff is determined to change the narrative. “Within the next 10 years, there will be a female Formula 1 driver. I can see the talent coming through, and there will be a girl good enough to take that opportunity,” she stated confidently.
Wolff continues to fight for equality in the sport, undeterred even by tensions with high-profile figures such as Christian Horner. “I set very high standards for myself. I know how important the F1 Academy is and the positive impact it’s having on this sport,” she emphasized.
Supported by figures like Lewis Hamilton, her commitment to equality and inclusion stands as a strong and inspiring message for young women who dream of racing in Formula 1. Susie Wolff’s story — marked by courage, setbacks, and perseverance — has become the driving force behind a mission to pave the way for the next generation of female drivers.
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