Susie Wolff
Born December 6, 1982 in Oban, Argyll, Scotland, United Kingdom • Next birthday: December 6, 2025
December 6, 1982
Oban, Argyll, Scotland, United Kingdom0
0 likesDecember 6, 2025
50 days out12
Total visitsThe world was forever altered when Susie Wolff, a trailblazing racing driver, introduced her role as the first woman in 22 years to participate in a Formula One weekend (2014). Born Suzanne Stoddart on 1982-12-06 in Oban, Scotland, she grew up amid motorbikes and tracks, inheriting a fierce determination from her family's motorcycle shop background. From karting as a child, she progressed through Formula Renault UK and British Formula 3, then secured a seven-year career in DTM with Mercedes-AMG. In 2012, Williams signed her as a development driver, leading to her groundbreaking FP1 outings at the British and German Grands Prix in 2014. Facing systemic bias, physical strain, and scrutiny of her gender at every turn, she refuses to be sidelined.
A key aspect of her later life was her shift from cockpit to leadership. She retired from professional driving in November 2015 and co-founded Dare to Be Different, advocating for female participation in motorsport. In 2018 she became Team Principal (and later CEO) of Venturi Racing in Formula E, reshaping an electric racing team. In March 2023 she became Managing Director of the F1 Academy, an all-female single-seater series designed to prepare young women for higher tiers.
Looking back, her journey repeatedly turned obstacles into platforms. She earned an Honorary Fellowship from the University of Edinburgh and, in 2017, was appointed MBE for services to women in sport. Her 2024 legal action against the FIA over fairness and transparency highlights her relentless defense of integrity in racing. Her leadership continues to crack open doors in motorsport.
In retrospect, Susie Wolff's career was a masterclass in perseverance, forever altering our understanding of motorsport.
Watch Video
Career & Achievements
- First woman in 22 years in F1 weekend (FP1, 2014)
- Seven-year DTM career with Mercedes-AMG
- Williams Formula One development driver (2012–2015)
- Co-founding Dare to Be Different (2016)
- Leadership at Venturi in Formula E (Team Principal/CEO)
- Managing Director of F1 Academy (2023– )
- Honorary Fellowship, University of Edinburgh
- Appointed MBE for services to women in sport (2017)
- Member of the Order of the British Empire
Personal Details
External Links
Latest News
Motorsport.com
Susie Wolff Confirms FIA Defamation Case Still Ongoing
Susie Wolff has confirmed that her legal action against the FIA remains active. The case stems from a short-lived 2023 inquiry into a potential conflict of interest involving her husband, Toto Wolff, which she argues damaged her reputation. She continues to press for transparency and accountability in the sport.
PlanetF1
Susie Wolff Issues Fresh Update on FIA Legal Case
Wolff described the legal dispute with the FIA as an "ongoing process." She reiterated that the brief probe in late 2023 had raised serious doubts about her integrity, prompting her to file a formal criminal complaint in France in March 2024.
GPFans
Susie Wolff Details 'Terrifying' 2 AM Call from F1 Figure
In promoting her memoir Driven, Wolff disclosed a disturbing episode in which, in 2007, a powerful F1 figure repeatedly called her at 2 AM and later attempted to enter her hotel room. She recounted how she considered hiding and plotting an escape during what became a deeply frightening experience.
GrandPrixNews
Wolff Reflects on Horner Exit's Impact on F1 and Her Position
With Christian Horner's departure from Red Bull, Susie Wolff noted how media attention shifted away from the burgeoning momentum of the F1 Academy and instead into controversy. She maintained her gratitude for Horner's past support but lamented how the saga diverted attention from women's progress in motorsport.
GPblog
Wolff Calls Horner's F1 Persona 'A Character' in Sudden Turn
Susie Wolff suggested that Christian Horner had long "played a character" in his public life. Speaking to The Sunday Times, she described his departure and controversies as an unfortunate distraction to the sport and to the growth of the F1 Academy.
FAQ
Who is Susie Wolff and why is she famous?
Susie Wolff is a Scottish racing driver turned motorsport executive. She's best known for becoming the first woman in 22 years to drive in a Formula One weekend and for leading the F1 Academy.
What is Susie Wolff's background in motorsport?
She began in karting, moved into Formula Renault and British Formula 3, and then spent seven years competing in the DTM series with Mercedes-AMG before joining Williams F1.
What did Susie Wolff achieve with Williams Formula One?
As Williams F1's development driver, she made history by participating in the British and German Grand Prix practice sessions in 2014, becoming a role model for women in motorsport.
What is Susie Wolff's role in Formula E and the F1 Academy?
She served as Team Principal and later CEO of Venturi Racing in Formula E, then became Managing Director of the F1 Academy, a series designed to develop female racing talent.
What is the goal of the F1 Academy led by Susie Wolff?
The F1 Academy focuses on giving young female drivers the skills, exposure, and opportunities needed to progress toward Formula 1 and other top-tier racing categories.
What is 'Dare to Be Different' and how is Susie Wolff involved?
'Dare to Be Different' is an initiative co-founded by Susie Wolff to encourage and support women in all areas of motorsport, from engineering to driving.
Has Susie Wolff received any honors or awards?
Yes, she was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2017 for her contributions to women in sport and received an Honorary Fellowship from the University of Edinburgh.
Is Susie Wolff still racing competitively?
No, she retired from professional racing in 2015 to focus on leadership and advocacy roles within motorsport, including her work with Formula E and the F1 Academy.
Who is Susie Wolff married to?
She is married to Toto Wolff, the CEO and Team Principal of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team. Together, they are a powerful couple in global motorsport.
What challenges has Susie Wolff faced in her career?
She overcame gender bias and physical challenges in a male-dominated sport, consistently proving her capability and paving the way for future female racers.
What legal action did Susie Wolff take against the FIA?
In 2024, she filed a legal complaint against the FIA to address issues of fairness and transparency, demonstrating her commitment to integrity in motorsport governance.
How can fans follow Susie Wolff's work today?
Fans can follow her official social media profiles and the F1 Academy's updates to stay informed about her latest projects and leadership initiatives in motorsport.
⚔️ Who's More Influential?
Carlos Velásquez
boxer
Nika Dzalamidze
association football player
👆 Click on your favorite to vote
