Susie Wolff Champions Female Drivers in F1 Academy’s New Era

MONTREAL – Susie Wolff, the first woman to drive in Formula One since 1992, is determined to inspire the next generation of female racing drivers while currently leading F1 Academy.

Wolff made her debut for Williams during a practice session at the British Grand Prix in 2014 and has since transitioned to her role as managing director of F1 Academy, which supports young women in motorsports. “F1 Academy is a chance of a lifetime to create positive impact in the sport,” she said, expressing her pride in witnessing Formula One financially support an all-female racing series.

The F1 Academy serves as a developmental platform for women aged 16 to 25 in a single-seater F4 championship. Following the disbandment of W Series in 2022, F1 Academy has stepped up as the premier women’s circuit. The series kicked off its season at the Canadian Grand Prix, featuring two races on Saturday and another on Sunday. Gatorade recently partnered with F1 Academy, sponsoring 16-year-old driver Mathilda Paatz.

In a major announcement, Canadian GP organizers revealed that F1 Academy will return to Circuit Gilles Villeneuve for Grand Prix weekends through 2028. Wolff welcomed the support from fans, stating, “We love it. We’re feeling so much love here, so much passion from the fans.”

Looking towards the future, Wolff emphasized the importance of increasing the visibility of female racers in the sport. “We need to inspire more young women to get into the sport,” she said. “By existing, we need to educate people about the entertaining racing we offer.” She acknowledged the financial barriers that often limit access to motorsports for women.

Wolff expressed her pride in the advancements made since her entry into the sport. “In 2014, I was always the only one. The world was different then,” she noted. “We’ve seen a lot of positive change, and I think the sport has progressed with that.”

While only two women have started races in Formula One’s history, Wolff remains hopeful that F1 Academy will pave the way for more women to compete at the highest level. “It’s tough to get to Formula One, regardless of your gender,” she said. “But we are making strides and helping young women develop their careers.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 15, 2025.