In an interview with the media today, Williams Development driver Susie Wolff is adamant she’s with Williams based on her talent and not as part of a “marketing scheme” by the F1 team.
Earlier this year, the Scot became the first female to drive at a grand prix weekend since 1992 when she climbed into the cockpit of a FW36 at Silverstone. Another Friday practice session followed in Germany with Wolff impressing as she finished just two-tenths behind team-mate Felipe Massa.
In her interview, Wolff has stated her opinion on the subject and believes that her talent has helped her gain this opportunity with Williams. Wolff said the following:-
‘Many people said that this is just a marketing scheme, but Sir Frank Williams would never put someone in his car if he didn’t believe that they are good enough. Frank came up to me after the sessions and said that he was really happy with my performance. Frank and [deputy team principal] Claire [Williams] – this is a racing team!
‘So I know when I’m not good enough I’m out, because my performance counts more than my gender does. They gave me the chance and we can be proud that we have achieved something special together.’
Even though there is no denying that Wolff joining the team and even taking part in a Grand Prix weekend is great for Williams and their marketing, it is clear that Frank wouldn’t have put Wolff in the car if she didn’t have the talent or the ability to get the best of the car in order to take part in the two sessions she has this season.
Wolff is very realistic in my opinion. Just like with Sauber Development driver Simona de Silvestro, both drivers know that they have to deliver on the track when they have the opportunity to perform, as that is where they are judged. And if you cannot deliver, Wolff knows that she wouldn’t be in the team. But she has impressed so far with her performances and managed to capitalise on the opportunity that the Williams team have given her so far.
Further on in her interview, Wolff says it is unlikely that she will find a place on the 2015 Formula 1 grid with Williams, even though there are other teams out there. Wolff added the following:-
‘At Williams we have two good drivers, so it would be difficult. I am very proud to be with the Williams team. They’ve given me the chance to test an F1 car when nobody else was interested because I didn’t show enough performance in DTM.
‘So I am proud to be with this team – and see how they are turning everything around right now! I want to stay here and see what chances come my way. I know that I have to fight hard for it.’
Even though Williams do have two strong drivers in Felipe Massa and Valtteri Bottas, it would be difficult for her to achieve a race seat with Williams in 2015. It is clear that Wolff is committed to the team who has provided her with the chance to gain further experience in the sport and rightly so.
With the Williams team improving race upon race, there is no denying that Wolff should be proud of the direction the team is going and that she is a vital part of that too. It is clear Williams is where Wolff wants to be and if she is provided with the chance to gain further experience or even race with the team, she will grab it with both hands and make the very best of it.
Question is; Will Williams give Wolff the opportunity to race with them in the near future? I’m unsure if that will be the case, but there is no doubt that she will be considered and is well more than capable of racing for them if the chance presented itself.
