George Russell has expressed strong support for the F1 Academy, an all-female racing series managed by Susie Wolff, wife of Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff. Launched in 2023, the F1 Academy aims to provide a clear pathway for female racers aspiring to reach Formula 1, addressing challenges that have left women absent from the F1 grid for over thirty years. Russell, along with Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris, has actively backed this initiative to improve diversity in the sport.
The scarcity of female Formula 1 drivers is not due to a lack of interest but is rooted deeper, in the limited opportunities available to women at the grassroots level of motorsport. The F1 Academy was developed as a response to this issue, supported by F1 teams and designed to reduce financial barriers that typically hinder female competitors from advancing their careers.
How Russell, Hamilton, and Norris Encourage Female Talent in Racing
Since the inception of the F1 Academy, several high-profile drivers have shown enthusiasm for the project. Susie Wolff highlighted the support of three prominent drivers in a recent interview. Lewis Hamilton, known for his long career with Mercedes, has consistently advocated for diversity in motorsport and supported initiatives that help those facing limited opportunities.
“Lewis [was] a longtime Mercedes driver, but I think people can see through his actions that he is very passionate about diversity, and helping those that sometimes that don’t get the opportunities in life. He was a big advocate from the very beginning.”
—Susie Wolff, Managing Director, F1 Academy
George Russell’s experience in karting gave him insight into the difficulties young drivers face when trying to advance, which has fueled his support for the academy. Lando Norris has also been a frequent visitor to the F1 Academy paddock, showing his ongoing encouragement for female racers.
“But, people like George Russell who know it from the world of karting how tough it can be to navigate the pathway and people like Lando Norris have always come over to the [F1 Academy] paddock.”
—Susie Wolff, Managing Director, F1 Academy
Susie Wolff Reflects on the Impact the Academy Could Have Had on Her Career
Susie Wolff, a former driver herself, has shared how the F1 Academy would have been a crucial platform during her pursuit of an F1 career. Although she competed in a male-dominated sport and even took part in free practice sessions for Williams around a decade ago, she never secured a permanent F1 seat. Opportunities for female racers at that time were scarce compared to what the academy now offers.
Reflecting on her past, Wolff expressed a mix of pride and hope for the future of female racers, acknowledging the progress that the sport has made and feeling encouraged by the opportunities now available.
“We’ve seen a lot of positive change, and I think the sport has progressed with that. I don’t have any bitterness or regret to look back and say, ‘God, I would have loved this opportunity.’ I would have, but I also feel a certain pride in having made it possible for the next generation.”
—Susie Wolff, Managing Director, F1 Academy
Current Championship Standings Highlight Rising Female Talent
As the F1 Academy season advances, driver Doriane Pin leads the championship, demonstrating the level of talent the series is cultivating. With three race weekends remaining, Pin’s performance symbolizes the success of the platform in nurturing competitive female drivers destined for higher levels of racing.
The ongoing support from influential figures such as George Russell, Lewis Hamilton, and Lando Norris, combined with Susie Wolff’s leadership, marks a significant step forward in creating a sustainable pathway for women into Formula 1, potentially reshaping the future demographics of the sport.
