Formula 1 have announced that Susie Wolff has been appointed as the Managing Director of the F1 Academy which is hoping to help young female drivers progress to the higher levels of motorsport competition.
With the appointment of Wolff, F1 aim to demonstrate its commitment to maximising the opportunity and potential of young female drivers to reach the highest level in motorsport. The statement from Formula 1 also says that Wolff will offer drivers and teams a strong strategic approach combined with a unique insight that will enhance the structure that has already been put in place for F1 Academy.
Wolff is an experienced professional driver and most recently has gained team leadership experience through her tenure as Team Principal of the Venturi Formula E team.
In 2016, Wolff launched Dare To Be Different, a call to action that aims to inspire the next generation of female talent, and increase female participation in all aspects of motorsport.
In her role as Managing Director, Susie will report directly to F1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali and will be responsible for spearheading the development of female motorsport talent with a focus on creating a successful pathway to higher categories in the F1 pyramid.
Bruno Michel remains as General Manager of the F1 Academy and will continue to report to Domenicali and while running the operational aspects of F1 Academy. He will also be the day-to-day liaison with teams relating to the technical and sporting side of the category.
On her appointment, Wolff said: “The F1 Academy presents an opportunity to promote genuine change in our industry by creating the best possible structure to find and nurture female talent on their journey to the elite levels of motorsport, both on and off the racetrack.
“There is a lot of work to be done but there is also a clear determination to get this right. In doing so, I believe the F1 Academy can represent something beyond racing. It can inspire women around the world to follow their dreams and realise that with talent, passion and determination, there is no limit to what they can achieve.
“This is also the start of an important new chapter in my career, combining the experience I have developed so far with my passion for diversity and empowerment, so I would like to thank Stefano for entrusting me with a role that means as much to me personally as it does professionally.”
Stefano Domenicali believes that Wolff’s arrival will be a ‘huge benefit to us all’.
“We are committed to maximising the opportunities in our sport for anyone to reach their true potential and achieve their dreams,” he added.
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