In the last 10 years, Susie Wolff has epitomized the word “powerhouse.” In 2014 at the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, she ended a 22-year drought by becoming the first woman to participate in an F1 weekend since 1992. Four years later, in 2018, she became a successful team principal in Formula E and now she has taken on the role of managing director at F1 Academy, the first women’s racing championship founded by F1.
Currently in the midst of its inaugural season, the F1 Academy is still in its infancy, but it has already made big waves. It’s giving women a global stage to show off their talents under the F1 umbrella, and Wolff is determined to make it a long-term success. The 40-year-old former racing driver caught up with Sports Illustrated to talk all about the championship, working with Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine production company, her time as a driver and on the Williams F1 team, and more.
The following has been lightly edited for clarity.
