Driven Live! Susie Wolff hits the stage with stories, speed and a mission to inspire

 

Susie Wolff recounts her early racing roots in karting, her rise through Formula Renault and DTM, her historic role as the first woman in 22 years to participate in a Formula One (F1) race weekend driving for Williams at Silverstone in 2014. She emphasised the importance of performance over perception, noting: “It’s not about being the best female driver, it’s about being the best driver.”

Wolff shared anecdotes from her memoir Driven including, her Silverstone debut, where she drove in front of a home crowd for Williams, calling it “a special moment.” Insights into paddock politics, the challenges of being taken seriously and the emotional toll of navigating a male dominated sport. Her decision to retire when it became clear she wouldn’t reach the F1 starting grid, saying: “If I couldn’t keep progressing, I would call it a day.”

Fans asked about her role as Managing Director of F1 Academy, an all female racing series launched to increase representation and creating pathways for women in motorsport. Wolff discussed her leadership philosophy, stressing hard work, focus and widening the talent pool to enhance diversity. She also addressed what it takes to thrive in motorsport: “You have to be resilience, focused and willing to fight for your place – every single day.”

As Managing Director of F1 Academy, Wolff is driving F1’s initiative to increase female representation in racing. She describes the series as more than a competition: “We don’t want to be a moment, we want to be a movement.” Under her leadership, F1 Academy has sent two champions to FRECA and GB3. Facilitated driver signings into F1 team development programs. Boosted female participation in grass roots motorsport to 25%.

Wolff emphasises the importance of mental toughness, saying: “You have to be resilient, focused and willing to fight for your place – every single day.” She reflects on her own journey from karting to DTM to becoming the first woman in 22 years to drive in an F1 race weekend as proof that ambition and preparation can break barriers. Her leadership style blends strategic vision with empathy aiming to create a more inclusive and performance driven environment.

Wolff encourages young talent, especially women, to pursue motorsport careers on track or behind the scenes. She stresses that success requires confidence, grit and a willingness to challenge norms, adding: “We had one shot to get it right and we’re making it count.” Through F1 Academy’s presence at major Grand Prixs and partnerships with initiatives like More Than Equal, Wolff is building a global platform for female empowerment.