Susie Wolff, the Williams test driver, is set to retire from all professional motorsport after the 2015 season. Formula One’s biggest female driver is now no more.
Susie Wolff, current Williams test driver and wife of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport’s executive director, Toto Wolff, made the announcement last week. She has been one of Formula One’s only female drivers in the current era, making the headlines last season when she became the first female driver in 22 years to participate in a session at a Formula One race weekend.
Wolff first began karting at the age of 8. Wolff made her way to Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) in 2006 after some Formula Renault UK and British Formula 3 races. She found her way into Formula One six years later when the Williams team signed her as a development driver. She would hold this position for four seasons, ending her DTM career for a chance in Formula One.
“I am overwhelmed by all your nice messages. Thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way.” Wolff said in a Tweet on November 4, responding to the fans.
Wolff is set to take part in the year’s Race of Champions on November 20-21 at the home of the 2012 Olympic Games in London. This will be her final appearance behind the wheel of a professional race car. She wrote on the Huffington Post’s blog that it seems fitting for her to finish her career after representing her country.
