Williams test driver Susie Wolff will retire from competitive motorsport at the end of the 2015 season, the team have announced.
The Scottish racer joined the Grove-based squad as development driver in 2012 after seven years in the DTM, going on to become the first woman to take part in a Grand Prix weekend for 22 years when she drove in FP1 for the team at Silverstone in 2014.
“I’d like to thank Williams for the opportunity they have given me over the last few years which has allowed me to achieve my dream of driving a Formula 1 car,” said Wolff. “It has been great to work with everyone at the team, both at Grove and trackside, and I’d like to thank everyone who has been part of my journey at Williams. I am now closing this chapter but looking forward to new challenges in the future.”
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In total, Wolff competed in four FP1 sessions for Williams, her final appearance coming at this year’s British Grand Prix. She also played a key role in the development of the team’s most recent cars through extensive simulator work and straight-line aerodynamic testing.
“It has been a pleasure to work with Susie over the years and see her develop as a driver within the team,” commented Claire Williams, Williams’ deputy team principal. “Her feedback and knowledge of the car has been an important part our recent development and we will be sorry to see her go. We want to thank her for all her efforts and wish her the very best for her future endeavours.”
Wolff’s final competitive appearance as a driver will come at the Race of Champions in London’s Olympic Stadium on November 20-21, where she will compete against the likes of Williams team mate Felipe Massa, Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo, Force India’s Nico Hulkenberg and Lotus’s Romain Grosjean.
“We will of course be supporting both Susie and Felipe at the Race of Champions,” said Williams, “and hope Susie has a great weekend to mark the last time we see her race.”
