F1 Academy Director Susie Wolff on Fighting Through the ‘Good, Bad and Ugly’ of Male-Dominated Sports

**Susie Wolff Unearths Her Journey in New Memoir “Driven”**

Former Formula 1 driver Susie Wolff recently unveiled her memoir, “Driven”, shedding light on her extraordinary path through the historically male-dominated world of motorsport. Released on April 28, the book explores not just her achievements and milestones, but also the challenges she faced as a woman in a predominantly male sport. Wolff’s reflections come as she now serves as the managing director of the F1 Academy, an initiative aiming to support and empower female drivers in the sport.

Wolff, who made headlines in 2014 as the first woman to take part in an official F1 race weekend session in over two decades, expressed her desire to capture the multifaceted nature of her experiences. In a recent interview with Leah Wyar, President of Entertainment and Beauty & Style Groups at People Inc., Wolff shared her intention for “Driven”. She stated, “I wanted it to really detail the challenges that I’ve faced, not just as a woman in the sport, but as a woman, in general.”

The memoir does not shy away from the complexities of balancing personal ambitions with life’s demands, as Wolff highlights the struggles of navigating motherhood alongside her career. “There are moments in life where it’s sometimes challenging to navigate when you become a mother, and when you want to hang on to your own identity,” she noted, emphasising the importance of maintaining one’s self amidst myriad challenges.

Transitioning away from her racing career proved to be a pivotal moment for Wolff. Initially contemplating her next steps outside of motorsport, she received an unexpected call from F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali. This opportunity became a “once-in-a-lifetime chance” for Wolff, who had long fought for the visibility and support of women in Formula 1. “I didn’t think I would ever see the owners of the sport putting double-digit millions into building a platform for female drivers,” she added, voicing her enthusiasm for the F1 Academy’s mission.

The establishment of the F1 Academy marks a significant milestone in Wolff’s commitment to fostering female talent in the sport. Boasting 17 full-time female drivers competing in the 2026 season, Wolff is proud of the progress made in such a short time. “In such a short space, we’ve managed to achieve so much, and I’m still very ambitious about what we can do in the future,” she remarked, reflecting on the Academy’s impact.

Wolff places great importance on fostering a supportive environment for the young female drivers under her wing. She offers them a pep talk at the start of each season, outlining her expectations while preparing them for the challenges that lie ahead. Her personal experience navigating a challenging career alone drives her mission to ensure that these budding drivers do not face their journeys in isolation. “I was in many situations in my career where there weren’t any other women I could talk to,” she recalled, underscoring the vital need for mentorship and support within the sport.

The F1 Academy, according to Wolff, is cultivating a community where female drivers are given the necessary tools and networks to succeed. This support system marks a notable departure from past experiences in racing, where female success was often isolated. “Now it’s much more of a community,” she explained, based on her desire to create an inclusive environment for the next generation of female talent in motorsport.

Overall, “Driven” serves as more than just a memoir; it embodies Wolff’s dedication to transforming the landscape of Formula 1 for female drivers. By sharing the good, the bad, and the ugly of her journey, she hopes to inspire others and pave the way for increased representation within the sport. As she moves forward with the F1 Academy, Wolff remains committed to her mission of mentorship, empowerment, and growth, ensuring that future generations of women have the support and opportunities they need to thrive on the track.