With no major opposition, Mohammed Ben Sulayem looks set to continue as FIA President. However, the controversies surrounding his leadership suggest that tensions within the sport may persist
As for Susie Wolff, her focus remains on growing the F1 Academy and pushing for greater inclusion in motorsport. While she may not be stepping into FIA politics, her influence on the sport is far from over.
The coming months will reveal how the FIA leadership evolves and whether any other candidates step forward before the election. But for now, Susie Wolff is staying out of the race.
Susie Wolff and F1 Academy are making meaningful strides toward increasing female representation in motorsports. By focusing on action rather than just words, they are creating real opportunities for young women to enter and succeed in professional racing.
With the introduction of the rookie test, continued partnerships, and a growing pipeline of female talent, the dream of seeing a woman compete in Formula 1 is becoming more tangible.
While challenges remain, the future of women in motorsport looks brighter than ever.
Also Read: Richard Childress Racing Shocks Fans with Kasey Kahne’s Bold New Paint Scheme and Podcast
Table of Contents
Susie Wolff and the FIA Presidency
The Truth Behind the Speculation
The world of Formula 1 was recently abuzz with rumors suggesting that Susie Wolff, the Managing Director of the F1 Academy and wife of Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, was considering a bid for the FIA presidency.1
However, the latest reports indicate that these claims were unfounded.
With the FIA presidential election approaching, the current president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, remains the only known candidate.
Despite criticism over his leadership, it appears that no major challenger, including Susie Wolff, will be stepping up to oppose him.
It may still take time, but the possibility of seeing a woman in a full-time F1 seat is more realistic than ever. As more female drivers rise through the ranks, the dream of gender equality in motorsport moves closer to reality.
This. This is huge.
They said… try and get some screen time on Drive to Survive.
We said… we’ll have our own series.
Thank you @NetflixUK and @hellosunshine 🙌🏻 https://t.co/bnNFKa2dC4
— Susie Wolff (@Susie_Wolff) May 3, 2024
The FIA Presidency: A Controversial Leadership
Since taking over as FIA President in 2021, Mohammed Ben Sulayem has faced considerable backlash.
His tenure has been marred by controversies, including restrictions on drivers’ freedom of speech and stricter regulations regarding public behavior.
Many in the paddock, including the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), have openly criticized Ben Sulayem’s approach. Yet, as the next election draws closer, he remains the only candidate willing to contest the position.
While no woman has raced in an F1 Grand Prix in decades, the landscape is changing. With initiatives like F1 Academy, more young female drivers are getting the necessary exposure and experience to compete at the highest level.
Susie Wolff’s Name Enters the Conversation
The speculation about Susie Wolff entering the FIA presidential race stemmed from reports by the Italian publication Autosprint.2
According to their claims, Wolff was preparing to challenge Ben Sulayem for the top job. Given her extensive experience in motorsport and leadership within the F1 Academy, some believed she could be a strong candidate for the role.
However, these rumors were soon debunked. PlanetF1 reported that Wolff has no intention of running for the presidency, confirming that she remains committed to her current responsibilities.
FIA’s Past Conflict with Susie Wolff
The idea of Susie Wolff taking on a leadership role within the FIA seemed unlikely, especially considering her recent conflict with the governing body.
In 2023, a complaint was raised within the FIA regarding a potential conflict of interest between her role in the F1 Academy and her husband’s position as Mercedes team principal.
This complaint was quickly dismissed within two days, but the situation highlighted tensions between Wolff and the FIA.
Given this history, it is understandable why she would be hesitant to step into a political battle for the presidency.
Susie Wolff: Leadership Void in the FIA?
With Wolff not running, the FIA presidential election appears to be a one-horse race.3
Despite growing dissatisfaction among teams, drivers, and fans, no strong opposition candidate has emerged.
This raises concerns about the future leadership of the FIA. Many believe that fresh leadership is needed to address the growing frustrations within the sport, yet without a challenger, Ben Sulayem may continue unopposed.
The Australian Grand Prix has been a staple in the F1 calendar, often serving as the season opener. Over the years, the race has produced thrilling moments and dramatic finishes.
The Future of Susie Wolff in Motorsport
While she may not be seeking the FIA presidency, Susie Wolff remains an influential figure in motorsport. As the Managing Director of the F1 Academy, she is working to develop the next generation of female drivers and increase diversity in racing.
Her efforts have been widely praised, and she continues to play a crucial role in shaping the future of motorsport.
While the FIA presidency is not in her immediate plans, her impact on the sport remains significant.
With the unpredictability of recent editions, fans can expect another exciting contest in 2025. The event will also serve as a stage for emerging talents, including those from F1 Academy, to gain visibility in the motorsport world.
Also Read: William Byron (Racing): Bio, Wiki, Age, Career, Awards, Net Worth 2024 and More
Susie Wolff’s Efforts to Increase Female Representation
F1 Academy was inaugurated in 2023, and since then, Susie Wolff has been at the forefront of its mission to promote female participation in motorsports.
Under her leadership, the all-women championship has taken significant strides to bridge the gender gap in racing.
For the 2025 season, a rookie test has been introduced, providing 18 young female drivers with a crucial opportunity to showcase their talent.
Wolff has always been an advocate for increasing female representation in motorsports, and through her role in F1 Academy, she continues to push for systematic changes that will enable more women to break into Formula 1.
With consistent investment, development programs, and structural changes, F1 Academy aims to break down the barriers that have historically limited female participation in elite racing.
The Vision Behind F1 Academy
F1 Academy was created to nurture young female drivers and provide them with a structured pathway to progress in motorsport.
Unlike previous attempts at increasing female participation, this initiative aims to integrate women into the broader F1 ecosystem rather than create a separate racing category.
The academy offers a competitive racing environment, coaching, and exposure to top-tier teams, giving talented young women the resources they need to develop their skills and compete at higher levels.
The ultimate goal of F1 Academy is to see female drivers competing at the highest levels of motorsport, including Formula 1. While progress has been made, there is still a long way to go before a woman secures a full-time F1 seat.
Susie Wolff’s Perspective on the Academy’s Progress
Speaking about the development of the series, Susie Wolff highlighted the importance of action over words. She stated (via Formula 1):
“To drive the meaningful change we want to see in our sport, we can’t just talk, we need to act. I see a lot more girls competing competitively in karting and we want to make sure that the best have the opportunity to progress.”
Wolff emphasized that it is not enough to simply encourage women to enter motorsports; there needs to be a clear and structured route for them to advance.
The introduction of the F1 Academy rookie test and continued collaboration with the Champions of the Future Academy Program are critical steps in building a sustainable talent pipeline.
The Importance of the Rookie Test
The newly introduced rookie test for the 2025 season is a major milestone. It will allow 18 young female drivers to experience high-performance racing conditions and gain invaluable exposure.
This initiative is designed to identify and nurture the best talent, ensuring that female drivers who show promise in karting and junior categories have a direct path into professional racing.
The partnership between F1 Academy and the Champions of the Future Academy Program is another crucial development.
This collaboration provides additional training, mentorship, and opportunities for young female drivers to refine their skills in a highly competitive environment.
By aligning itself with established motorsport development programs, F1 Academy is ensuring that female racers receive the same level of support and training as their male counterparts.
View this post on Instagram
Breaking Barriers in Motorsport
Women have been part of motorsport history for decades, but their presence in Formula 1 has been minimal.
The last female driver to compete in an F1 Grand Prix was Lella Lombardi in 1976. Since then, several women have come close but have not secured a full-time seat.
Initiatives like F1 Academy are working to change this by providing more structured opportunities for women to develop their skills and gain the necessary experience to compete at the highest levels.
The Impact of Role Models in Motorsport
- One of the key factors in encouraging young girls to pursue a career in motorsports is representation.
- Having role models like Susie Wolff, Jamie Chadwick, and Tatiana Calderón inspires the next generation of female drivers to believe that a career in racing is possible.
- F1 Academy not only nurtures talent but also creates visibility for female racers, showcasing their abilities to a global audience.
- Sainz’s triumph was particularly significant as it was the first time since Gerhard Berger in 1997 that a driver won a Grand Prix after returning from a medical absence.
- As the motorsport world continues to evolve, F1 Academy will play a crucial role in shaping the next generation of female racing stars.
- By providing structured opportunities, funding, and exposure, the initiative is laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and diverse future in Formula 1.
- The upcoming rookie test and continued collaboration with development programs are significant steps toward breaking barriers and ensuring that female drivers have the same opportunities as their male counterparts.
Also Read: Rusty Wallace Racing Experience Bids Farewell After 25 Years of Adrenaline-Fueled Fun
