Susie Wolff highlights Lewis Hamilton’s impact on motorsport and F1 Academy. Susie Wolff credits the success of the F1 Academy to F1 teams and highlights Lewis Hamilton’s influence.

Formula 1 is an intensely competitive world, often seen as a self-contained ecosystem that tends to absorb or overshadow other racing categories. To succeed, you must either stand out dramatically or risk being engulfed or even excluded. When the all-female F1 Academy was launched, the stakes were high.

Susie Wolff stays humble, giving thanks with a special mention for Hamilton

Now at the end of its third season, the F1 Academy has established itself as a credible series, drawing attention from the wider motorsport community. However, Susie Wolff, the series’ managing director—former racing driver and ex-team principal of Venturi Racing in Formula E—remains modest about her role. She told Crash.net, “Many praise me for the progress made with the F1 Academy, but the credit belongs to the sport and the F1 teams that supported it, giving me full backing, including investment to help it develop. We all want the F1 Academy to succeed because we know it can have a positive impact on motorsport.”

Susie Wolff: “Hamilton’s voice has a powerful echo, others should take inspiration from him”

Susie Wolff praised the F1 teams for their support in navigating the daily challenges of running the series. Yet, she also highlighted drivers who have stood out for their personal commitment. “Lewis Hamilton has always been willing to use his voice for good. He has always understood the broader positive impact his influence can have.”

She added, “It’s easy to follow a path already trodden by others. Hamilton, however, has always been a pioneer in our sport. Whenever there is something important to say, whenever the paddock needs to address key issues, he is always the first to speak up, and that has never surprised me.”

Reflecting on Lewis Hamilton’s broader impact, Wolff said, “I think sometimes his contributions aren’t recognized enough. Thanks to him, walks through the paddock have become runway moments, and he has helped make Formula 1 relevant on topics beyond the sport itself. He has a voice that creates a powerful echo for good. Others should take inspiration from him as well.” Susie Wolff, a former DTM driver and Williams F1 test driver, concluded by encouraging drivers to be more vocal and participate actively in important discussions.