Susie Wolff to end F1’s 22 year wait for a female driver

Susie Wolff, the Danica Patrick of F1

Susie Wolff will become the first woman to take part in an official F1 race weekend session in 22 years next Friday at the British Grand Prix.

Wolff has worked with Williams as a reserve driver for over two years, and has taken part in a number of other test sessions during that time to earn her FIA superlicense.

However, she will now take part in a full practice session for her home race at Silverstone next week.

The last woman to take part in an official F1 weekend session was Giovanna Amati at the 1992 Brazilian Grand Prix. She failed to qualify for the race, finishing over ten seconds off the pole lap of Williams’ Nigel Mansell.

Since then, a few women have tried to make a splash in Formula 1. Sarah Fisher took part in a show run for McLaren at Indianapolis back in 2002, whilst Katherine Legge tested for Minardi in 2005. Both found more success in the American open wheel series.

Spanish driver Maria de Villota worked with Lotus and Marussia in 2011 and 2012, but suffered severe head injuries during a straight line test in England two years ago. She died last October at the age of 33 due to the underlying neurological injuries.
Former IndyCar driver Simona de Silvestro appears to be on the cusp of a full-time seat with Sauber in 2015. She has joined the team as an affiliated driver, and has completed some encouraging running for the Swiss team.

Wolff will finally end the 22 year wait at Silverstone, though. Having most recently tested for the team following the Spanish Grand Prix, she will know what to expect from the FW36 car. She will also take part in practice for the German Grand Prix at Hockenheim in three weeks’ time.

Williams will be riding on a high for its home grand prix, having secured its best result since 2005 last time out in Austria, but the focus will undoubtedly be on Wolff on Friday morning at Silverstone.