Grove, Oxfordshire - Susie Wolff, the first woman driver in 22 years to take part in a Formula One weekend, has announced that she will retire at the end of 2015 after accepting that her dream of making the starting grid at a Grand Prix “isn't going to happen”.
The 32-year-old Scot, whose husband Toto is the motorsport director at Constructors' champion Mercedes, was appointed as Williams' development driver in 2012 and last year made a breakthrough when she took part in free practice for the British Grand Prix.
She subsequently also participated in practice at the 2014 German Grand Prix and, after being promoted to the role of test driver, in Spain and Britain again this season.
No woman has raced in Formula One since Italy's Lella Lombardi in 1976, while the last woman before Wolff to take part in a Grand Prix weekend was Lombardi's compatriot Giovanna Amati, who failed to qualify with Brabham in 1992.
Wolff, who now wants to help the next generation of female drivers to reach the top, said: “My progression into Formula One came to represent so much more than a racing driver simply trying to reach the pinnacle of the sport. It was also the hope that finally there may again be a female on the starting grid.
“I rode the wave, was energised by all the support and fought hard. There were those who wanted it to happen, those who didn't. I can only tell you, I gave it my all. I got oh so close. Do I think F1 is ready for a competitive female racing driver that can perform at the highest level? Yes. Do I think it is achievable as a woman? Most definitely. Do I think it will happen soon? Sadly, no.”
MAJOR SETBACK
Wolff's hopes of starting a race suffered a major setback in January when Adrian Sutil was signed up by Williams after Valtteri Bottas sustained an injury in qualifying for the Australian Grand Prix. The move appeared to scupper any long-term hope she had of racing for the team.
Wolff, who started out in karting, said: “We have two issues: not enough girls starting in karting at a young age and no clear role model. Sometimes you just have to see it to believe it. My gut feeling tells me it is time to move on.
“I am now closing this chapter but looking forward to new challenges in the future. I dared to be different and I want to inspire others to do the same. As a sportsperson it is always difficult to know when to stop but, for me, this journey has come to an end.
“I'd like to thank Williams for the opportunity they have given me over the past few years, which has allowed me to achieve my dream of driving a Formula One car.”
Williams' deputy team principal Claire Williams added: “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 have been an important part of our recent development and we will be sorry to see her go.”
Wolff's last professional outing will come at the Race of Champions in London at the end of November. - The Independent
WOMEN IN FORMULA ONE:
Maria Teresa de Filippis (Italy) - Maserati/Behra-Porsche, 1958-59
Lella Lombardi (Italy) - March/Ram/Williams, 1974-76
Divina Galica (Britain) - Surtees/Hesketh, 1976 & 1978
Desiré Wilson (South Africa) - Williams, 1980
Giovanna Amati (Italy) - Brabham, 1992