Susie Wolff, Managing Director of the F1 Academy and wife of Mercedes F1 team principal Toto Wolff, has commended the support of prominent drivers like Lando Norris, Lewis Hamilton, and George Russell for the all-female racing series. The F1 Academy, launched in 2023, aims to establish a clear pathway for women to progress into Formula 1, addressing decades of underrepresentation.
Wolff explained in a recent interview that while the series generally operates in the shadow of other established motorsport championships, drivers across F1 have shown visible encouragement for its development.
“Lewis [was] a longtime Mercedes driver, but I think people can see through his actions that he is very passionate about diversity, and helping those that sometimes that don’t get the opportunities in life. He was a big advocate from the very beginning,”
she stated.
She also recognized the grassroots understanding among her supporters, commenting,
“But, people like George Russell who know it from the world of karting how tough it can be to navigate the pathway and people like Lando Norris have always come over to the [F1 Academy] paddock.”
Such backing underscores the importance of the initiative within the Formula 1 community.
Addressing Gender Disparities in Motorsport through the F1 Academy
For over 30 years, Formula 1 grids have seen a near-total absence of female drivers, largely reflecting the scarcity of women participating at foundational levels of motorsport. The F1 Academy was conceived to reverse this trend by creating an all-female racing championship, backed by Formula 1 and its associated teams.
Building on the legacy of the previous W-Series, the F1 Academy focuses on removing financial barriers that typically hinder women from advancing in racing careers. By providing competitive opportunities and exposure, the program has attracted growing interest and ambitions among female racers seeking to enter the highest tiers of motorsport.
Susie Wolff Reflects on How F1 Academy Could Have Impacted Her Own Racing Career
Susie Wolff, a former professional racing driver from Scotland, once pursued a Formula 1 career, competing in several free practice sessions with Williams about a decade ago. Despite her efforts, she did not secure a full racing seat in the male-dominated sport.
Reflecting on the potential impact the F1 Academy might have had on her own journey, Wolff expressed both pride and hope:
“We’ve seen a lot of positive change, and I think the sport has progressed with that. I don’t have any bitterness or regret to look back and say, ‘God, I would have loved this opportunity.’ I would have, but I also feel a certain pride in having made it possible for the next generation.”
F1 Academy Championship Standings and Future Prospects
The F1 Academy’s success is evident in the competitive spirit it fosters, with driver Doriane Pin currently leading the championship with three race weekends remaining. This growing platform signifies increased opportunities and visibility for female racers, potentially reshaping the future of Formula 1.
With strong endorsements from major figures like Wolff, Hamilton, Russell, and Norris, the initiative is positioned to accelerate women’s integration into top-level motorsport, potentially inspiring more female athletes to pursue careers in Formula 1 and related series.