Susie Wolff, Managing Director of F1 ACADEMY, has voiced her strong belief in the transformative power of the all-female racing series, emphasizing that the project was always intended to be a long-term endeavor.
As the series prepares for its third season, coinciding with International Women’s Day, Wolff reflects on the strides made in challenging traditional perceptions of women in motorsport and forging a clear path for emerging female talent.
She notes a tangible shift, with a noticeable surge in young girls participating in karting, a phenomenon she attributes to the “F1 ACADEMY effect.”
This increased engagement at the grassroots level, she believes, is as crucial as the series’ on-track success, as it lays the foundation for a future where women are prominently represented at the pinnacle of racing.
The 2025 season marks a significant expansion, with the grid increasing to 18 cars, including a dedicated Wild Card seat at each event, reflecting the growing pool of talented female drivers.
This expansion, Wolff explains, was carefully planned, relying on a comprehensive global database to identify and nurture promising prospects.
The series has also broadened its horizons, transitioning from a primarily European schedule to a global calendar spanning three continents, with races in diverse locations such as Shanghai, Jeddah, and Las Vegas.
This international presence, she asserts, is vital for inspiring young women worldwide and ensuring that the series’ impact resonates globally.
The focus remains on developing drivers from an early stage, with a minimum age of 16, to equip them with the necessary skills and experience for higher levels of motorsport.
Key initiatives, such as the reintroduction of reverse grids, are designed to enhance driver development and prepare them for the challenges of higher categories.
The success of 2024 champion Abbi Pulling, who secured a fully-funded seat in the GB3 Championship, demonstrates the series’ commitment to facilitating driver progression.
Wolff is also keenly focused on nurturing talent at the karting level, with the F1 ACADEMY DISCOVER YOUR DRIVE program supporting young karters and witnessing a notable increase in female participation.
Beyond the drivers themselves, the series is contributing to a broader shift in the motorsport landscape, with increasing representation of women in various roles, from race engineers to mechanics, signaling a fundamental change in the sport’s culture.
While the ultimate goal of seeing a female driver compete in Formula 1 remains a driving force, Wolff emphasizes that the series’ success is measured by the overall growth and development of female talent across all levels of motorsport, ensuring that the future of racing is more inclusive and diverse.
