Williams Martini Racing have confirmed that after four years with the team Susie Wolff will be stepping down as their development driver and retiring from competitive motorsport.
Wolff will end her career at the end of the 2015 season, with her final outing at the Race Of Champions later this month in London.
The Briton was appointed as Development Driver at Williams in April of 2012, a month before Pastor Maldonado, who drove for Williams at the time, took his first and only win in Formula One to date and the team’s first since 2004.
Speaking about her announcement, the Scot stated, “I’d like to thank Williams for the opportunity they have given me over the last few years which has allowed me to achieve my dream of driving a Formula 1 car. It has been great to work with everyone at the team, both at Grove and trackside, and I’d like to thank everyone who has been part of my journey at Williams. I am now closing this chapter but looking forward to new challenges in the future.”
Susie had been a development driver since 2012, as husband Toto Wolff had a small stake in the team, but she would have to wait until 2014 to take part in an official Grand Prix session, taking to the track in the FW36 on home soil for the British GP in Free Practice One. Unfortunately, this was cut short by an Engine failure after just one timed lap. Wolff would also drive in the German Grand Prix in FP1.
Speaking to the BBC, Wolff announced her plans to launch a campaign to help other females in motorsport.
“I want to give something back,” she stated, after it was revealed she was partnering with the MSA, Britain’s motorsport governing body.
“We will launch a new initiative aimed at celebrating the woman succeeding in motorsport on and off the track now, plus highlighting to the next generation that motorsport is an option for them.
“I dared to be different, I want to inspire others to do the same.”
Deputy Team Principal at Williams, Claire Williams, commented on Susie’s departure: “It has been a pleasure to work with Susie over the years and see her develop as a driver within the team. Her feedback and knowledge of the car has been an important part our recent development and we will be sorry to see her go. We want to thank her for all her efforts and wish her the very best for her future endeavours. We will, of course, be supporting both Susie and Felipe at the Race of Champions, and hope Susie has a great weekend to mark the last time we see her race.”
Wolff will still attend some Grand Prix weekends in the future as wife of Toto Wolff, Head of Motorsport of Mercedes Benz.
