Susie Wolff – Keynote Speaker

Born in Oban on the stunning west coast of Scotland in 1982, Susie demonstrated an early passion and talent for motorsport, starting out as many of her racing contemporaries did – on the karting scene.

In 1996, aged just 13, she was named British Kart Racing Driver of the Year. With an impressive title under her belt and a clear taste for success, Susie then went on to win her first 24Hr Middle East Kart Championship and the Scottish Junior International “A” title in 1997. She held the British Women Kart Racing driver title for consecutive years and, in 2000, was awarded the title of Top Female Kart Driver in the World.

In 2001, Susie embarked on her professional racing career in the Formula Renault UK Championship, where she notched three podiums and was twice nominated for the British Young Driver of the Year Award. Following a brief spell in Formula 3, she made her name with Mercedes-Benz in the DTM – the German Touring Car Championship – between 2006 and 2012.

In 2012, Susie ascended to the pinnacle of motorsport in Formula One, joining multiple championship winners Williams Racing. Susie held the position of Development Driver for three seasons before being promoted to the role of Test Driver for 2015. During her tenure at Williams, Susie made history at the 2014 British Grand Prix by becoming the first woman to take part in a Formula One race weekend in 22 years.

In October 2013, Susie was awarded an Honorary Fellowship at the University of Edinburgh in recognition of her role as an ambassador for women in sport.

Retiring from action behind the wheel at the end of 2015, Susie made a personal commitment to increase the intake of women in motorsport across all areas. This led to the launch of Susie’s highly successful ‘Dare To Be Different’ initiative in collaboration with the UK Motorsport Governing Body and the Motor Sports Association. In 2017 Susie’s hard work was formally acknowledged when she was awarded an MBE for her services and contribution to women in sport.

In 2019, Dare To Be Different united with the FIA Girls on Track programme to reach a wider audience, continuing to raise awareness of the opportunities for women and girls in motorsport.

In 2016, Susie became an ambassador for ‘She’s Mercedes’. Inspired by the German marque’s ‘Best or Nothing’ mantra, She’s Mercedes is a networking platform dedicated to inspiring, connecting and empowering women to be their best.

On June 26, 2018, Susie was appointed Team Principal and shareholder of ROKiT Venturi Racing in her first formal move into team management and ownership. In November 2021, she was promoted to the role of Chief Executive Officer of Monaco’s only racing team. In August 2022, following the team’s most successful season to date and a Vice-World Championship title, Susie announced her departure from the team and Formula E.

On March 1, 2023 Susie Wolff has been appointed as the Managing Director of the F1 Academy, the all-female driver category that aims to develop and prepare young female drivers to progress to higher levels of competition.