Driving Change

Wolff resisted stereotypes and focused her energy on transforming the F1 landscape. “When Stefano Domenicali, CEO of Formula One, called me to talk about a role at the F1 Academy where I could support women in motorsports, I realized it was a once-in-a-lifetime chance for positive change,” says Wolff, 42. With women making up around 10 percent of motorsports participants globally, she sees the growing investment behind women’s sports as a pivotal opportunity. “We have the chance to shape the future,” she adds, citing the F1 Academy as an incubator for emerging female talent. “Formula 1 is realizing the world has changed and is committed to changing with it through collaborating, not just competing.”

Wolff proved her power through performance, first as a driver and later in leadership roles, including team principal and shareholder of Rokit Venturi Racing in Formula E — Monaco’s only racing team — before becoming CEO and leading the team to its most successful season. Her victory in Formula E marked a significant milestone, demonstrating that her success wasn’t defined by external expectations or distractions. Instead, it was a testament to her determination, vision, and ability to lead a team to the pinnacle of performance. The win in Formula E solidified her as a formidable force in motorsport, affirming her place not only in the sport but as a trailblazer in the industry.

The year following her retirement from driving in 2015, Wolff launched Dare to Be Different, a non-profit organization aiming to increase women’s participation in racing. Now at the helm of F1 Academy, she continues to break down barriers. “Our much wider vision at F1 Academy is fueling the future of women in motorsports. We want to inspire the next generation, create role models and opportunity,” says Wolff. “And it’s not just about being a race-car driver; whether you want to be an engineer, mechanic or journalist… there are thousands of people involved in working in this sport and it’s up to us to create opportunities for female talent.” Her efforts have been recognized off the track as well: In 2017, Wolff was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire for her contribution to women in sport.

Having just wrapped their second season, F1 Academy has already thrust some fresh faces into the spotlight, including 22-year-old Alpine junior Abbi Pulling—the first female driver to win a British F4 race. Wolff has also pulled in an unconventional partner in beauty brand Charlotte Tilbury—the first company founded by a woman to sponsor F1 Academy drivers.

The wins, however, didn’t come without perseverance. “It’s easy to have a first impression where everything [appears] shiny,” says Wolff. “I’ve had tough days where I thought, ‘okay, am I ever going to get the traction I need to create this change?’ I’m incredibly lucky that I have a great team of people around me that makes everything possible… I also have a lot of tenacity. People tell me something’s not possible and it makes me even more determined. I love to be doing something with purpose and passion.”