Driven to break barriers! Susie Wolff's high speed memoir hits the grid with grit and glory

 

Born in Oban, Scotland, 1982, Susie Wolff began karting at the age of eight, inspired not by pop stars but by Formula One (F1) legends like Ayrton Senna. By her teens, she was already winning national and international karting titles, racing alongside future stars like Lewis Hamilton. Wolff progressed through Formula Renault UK, earning Motorsport UK’s “British Woman Kart Racing Driver of the Year” multiple times. She then spent seven seasons in DTM with Mercedes-Benz gaining experience in one of Europe’s most competitive touring car series. In 2012, she joined Williams F1 as a development and test driver and in 2014, she made history by participating in FP1 at the British Grand Prix becoming the first woman in 22 years to take part in an official F1 weekend.

Wolff’s defining philosophy has always been: “When the helmet goes on, gender disappears.” She consistently emphasised that her goal was not to be the best female driver but simply the best driver challenging perceptions in a male dominated sport. Her legacy continues through her leadership of F1 Academy, where she now works to create pathways for young women in motorsport.

As Managing Director of F1 Academy, Wolff leads F1’s all female racing series launched to increase female participation and create pathways to professional motorsport. Under her guidance, the series has partnered with all 10 F1 teams to support young female drivers. Delivered global visibility through race weekends aligned with the F1 calendar. Boosted grass roots engagement with Wolff stating: “We had one shot to get it right and we’re making it count.”

Wolff’s story is featured in season seven of Netflix’s Drive to Survive, offering viewers a behind the scenes look at her career and her role in launching F1 Academy. The series highlights her Silverstone FP1 run, her transition from driver to executive and her efforts to challenge gender norms in motorsport. Her inclusion has helped amplify her impact globally inspiring a new generation of fans and racers.

Wolff’s memoir Driven, released on the 23^rd of October 2025, chronicles her journey from karting in Scotland to becoming the first woman in over two decades to take part in an F1 weekend. Key highlights include her 25 lap F1 test with Williams, a pivotal moment in her career. Backstage paddock politics, including the challenges of being taken seriously in a male dominated sport. Emotional highs and lows, from DTM battles to her decision to retire as well as the pivot to leadership.