Susie Wolff has announced her retirement from competitive motorsport at the end of 2015, ending her four-year association with the Williams F1 Team in which in 2014 she became the first female driver since 1992 to compete in an official Formula 1 session.
Wolff joined Williams as a Development Driver in April 2012, and competed in her first free practice session at Silverstone in 2014 driving the FW36, and took part in another at Hockenheim that year, before participating in FP1 at the Circuit de Catalunya and Silverstone again in 2015 driving the FW37. She has also had time in the car during test sessions.
She has played a part in the development of the last three Williams cars, the FW35, FW36 and the FW37, but now steps away from motorsport having failed to find herself a full-time race seat in Formula 1.
“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,” said Wolff.
“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 Wolff competed in four official Formula 1 sessions with Williams (Credit: Sam Bloxham/Williams F1)
Claire Williams, the Deputy Team Principal of Williams, has admitted she is sorry to see Wolff depart the team, and thanked her for her efforts over the past four years.
“It has been a pleasure to work with Susie over the years and see her develop as a driver within the team,” revealed Williams. “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.”
