'Pioneer' Susie Wolff named managing director of all-female series

Susie Wolff has been appointed as managing director of the F1 Academy.

The 40-year-old will take charge of the female-only academy, which develops young talent to prepare them for higher levels of competition.

Wolff, a former professional driver who has also held the role of team principal with the Venturi Formula E team, launched the Dare To Be Different action plan – which aimed to inspire females to take up the sport – in 2016.

Formula One president and CEO Stefano Domenicali 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.”

BREAKING: @Susie_Wolff appointed Managing Director of @f1academy

A pioneer both on-track and in management off-track, Wolff will drive forward F1's commitment to maximising opportunities for female drivers in motorsport#F1 #F1Academy pic.twitter.com/XijjZJWkWH
— Formula 1 (@F1) March 1, 2023

Wolff, wife of Mercedes F1 team principal Toto, will report to Domenicali with the aim to create a successful pathway for young females in the sport.

She 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.”