Susie Wolff named new boss of Venturi Formula E team | CNN

Susie Wolff: Ex-Formula One test driver to run Venturi Formula E team

By John Sinnott, CNN
2 minute read
Published 3:16 PM EDT, Tue June 26, 2018
And for her next job in motorsport .... Susie Wolff is to run the Venturi Formula E team.
And for her next job in motorsport .... Susie Wolff is to run the Venturi Formula E team.
ANDREJ ISAKOVIC/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
British driver <strong>Susie Wolff</strong> became Formula One's first female competitor in 20 years when she took part in <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2014%2F04%2F18%2Fmotorsport%2Fgallery%2Fsusie-wolff-formula-one-williams%2FSusie%2520Wolff%2520will%2520become%2520the%2520Formula%2520One%2527s%2520first%2520female%2520competitor%2520in%252020%2520years%2520when%2520she%2520takes%2520part%2520in%2520the%2520first%2520practice%2520sessions%2520at%2520the%2520British%2520and%2520German%2520grands%2520prix%2520in%2520July." target="_blank">the first practice sessions at the British Grand Prix</a>. But in 2015 she announced her retirement from the sport saying her dream of making it into the starting grid "isn't going to happen."
Susie Wolff's F1 journey —
British driver Susie Wolff became Formula One's first female competitor in 20 years when she took part in the first practice sessions at the British Grand Prix. But in 2015 she announced her retirement from the sport saying her dream of making it into the starting grid "isn't going to happen."
Courtesy Williams
Wolff told CNN Sport: "I rode the wave, was energized by all the support and fought hard. There were those who wanted it to happen. Those who didn't. Do I think F1 is ready for a competitive female racing driver that can perform at the highest level? Yes. Do I think it is achievable as a woman? Most definitely. Do I think it will happen soon? Sadly no."<br />
Susie Wolff's F1 journey —
Wolff told CNN Sport: "I rode the wave, was energized by all the support and fought hard. There were those who wanted it to happen. Those who didn't. Do I think F1 is ready for a competitive female racing driver that can perform at the highest level? Yes. Do I think it is achievable as a woman? Most definitely. Do I think it will happen soon? Sadly no."
Charles Coates/Getty Images/file
Born in Scotland in 1982 as Susie Stoddart, her parents ran a motorbike shop -- and it wasn't long before she got the racing bug.
Susie Wolff's F1 journey —
Born in Scotland in 1982 as Susie Stoddart, her parents ran a motorbike shop -- and it wasn't long before she got the racing bug.
THOMAS LOHNES/AFP/Getty Images
At eight years old, she and her brother got their first go-karts. It would mark the start of her life in competitive motorsport.
Susie Wolff's F1 journey —
At eight years old, she and her brother got their first go-karts. It would mark the start of her life in competitive motorsport.
Alex Grimm/Bongarts/Getty Images
At 18 she was ranked 15th in the world at karting, racing against future F1 stars Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg and Kimi Raikkonen.
Susie Wolff's F1 journey —
At 18 she was ranked 15th in the world at karting, racing against future F1 stars Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg and Kimi Raikkonen.
(Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
After spells in Formula Renault and Formula 3000, she landed in DTM (German Touring Car) racing with Mercedes Benz in 2006. She finished her first race in the top 10.
Susie Wolff's F1 journey —
After spells in Formula Renault and Formula 3000, she landed in DTM (German Touring Car) racing with Mercedes Benz in 2006. She finished her first race in the top 10.
Lars Baron/Bongarts/Getty Images
In 2010, Wolff became the first female driver to score points in DTM in almost 20 years.
Susie Wolff's F1 journey —
In 2010, Wolff became the first female driver to score points in DTM in almost 20 years.
Alex Grimm/Bongarts/Getty Images/file
The 2010 season became her most fruitful so far, and she ended ahead of teammates Ralf Schumacher and David Coulthard -- both former F1 stars.
Susie Wolff's F1 journey —
The 2010 season became her most fruitful so far, and she ended ahead of teammates Ralf Schumacher and David Coulthard -- both former F1 stars.
Alex Grimm/Bongarts/Getty Images/file
In 2010, she married Williams F1 board member Toto Wolff, who is now working for rival team Mercedes.
Susie Wolff's F1 journey —
In 2010, she married Williams F1 board member Toto Wolff, who is now working for rival team Mercedes.
Johannes Kernmayer
Wolff has described F1 as the "ultimate goal," and says she was determined to follow that dream.
Susie Wolff's F1 journey —
Wolff has described F1 as the "ultimate goal," and says she was determined to follow that dream.
Wolff signed for the Williams F1 team as a development driver in April 2012. "Sometimes in life you just need a chance. Claire and Frank (Williams) gave me that chance," she told CNN.
Susie Wolff's F1 journey —
Wolff signed for the Williams F1 team as a development driver in April 2012. "Sometimes in life you just need a chance. Claire and Frank (Williams) gave me that chance," she told CNN.
Williams F1
Her responsibilities that year involved testing the aerodynamics of the car to be driven by Pastor Maldonado and Bruno Senna, and driving the Williams race simulator.
Susie Wolff's F1 journey —
Her responsibilities that year involved testing the aerodynamics of the car to be driven by Pastor Maldonado and Bruno Senna, and driving the Williams race simulator.
Williams F1
Wolff had her first F1 test at the end of 2012 and was given an expanded role for the 2013 season.
Susie Wolff's F1 journey —
Wolff had her first F1 test at the end of 2012 and was given an expanded role for the 2013 season.
Mark Thompson/Getty Images/file
In 2013, she was the first person to drive the team's new car.
Susie Wolff's F1 journey —
In 2013, she was the first person to drive the team's new car.
Williams F1
"I was also unsure if the strain was going to be too much," she says. "But already on my first lap out of the pits I knew it was going to be manageable."
Susie Wolff's F1 journey —
"I was also unsure if the strain was going to be too much," she says. "But already on my first lap out of the pits I knew it was going to be manageable."
Mark Thompson/Getty Images/file
Her new responsibilities for the season made her a regular fixture in the pits, as she eyed a driver's berth.
Susie Wolff's F1 journey —
Her new responsibilities for the season made her a regular fixture in the pits, as she eyed a driver's berth.
Mark Thompson/Getty Images/file
For 2014, she joined Valtteri Bottas and Felipe Massa behind the wheel for two practice sessions -- at Silverstone and Hockenheim -- becoming the sport's first female driver since 1992.
Susie Wolff's F1 journey —
For 2014, she joined Valtteri Bottas and Felipe Massa behind the wheel for two practice sessions -- at Silverstone and Hockenheim -- becoming the sport's first female driver since 1992.
Clive Rose/Getty Images/file
In March, Williams said Wolff wouldn't be considered as a replacement for Valtteri Bottas when the Finn's participation at the Malaysian Grand Prix was thrown into doubt by injury. She said that formed part of her decision to leave the sport.
Susie Wolff's F1 journey —
In March, Williams said Wolff wouldn't be considered as a replacement for Valtteri Bottas when the Finn's participation at the Malaysian Grand Prix was thrown into doubt by injury. She said that formed part of her decision to leave the sport.
MAL FAIRCLOUGH/AFP/file
It was <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fedition.cnn.com%2F2018%2F06%2F26%2Fmotorsport%2Fsusi-wolff-formule-a-venturi-team-principal-intl-spt%2Findex.html">announced in June 2018</a> that Wolff had been appointed the new team principal of the Venturi Formula E team. British racing driver Alex Lynn (pictured) competes in the electric championship with DS Virgin Racing having been at Williams with Wolff as a development driver.
It was announced in June 2018 that Wolff had been appointed the new team principal of the Venturi Formula E team. British racing driver Alex Lynn (pictured) competes in the electric championship with DS Virgin Racing having been at Williams with Wolff as a development driver.
Mark Thompson/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Susie Wolff's motorsport journey
CNN  — 

Former Formula 1 test driver Susie Wolff has been appointed the new team principal of the Venturi Formula E team in which she will also become a shareholder.

“With immediate effect Susie will lead the team’s preparations for season 5 of the ABB Formula E Championship, set to begin on 15 December 2018 in Saudi Arabia,” said the Venturi team on its website.

Wolff attempted to shatter F1’s glass ceiling, taking part in practice sessions for the Williams team but never reaching the start line and she opted to retire as a driver in 2015.

“When I decided to stop as a professional driver in 2015, I knew that I wanted to continue with the challenge of competitive racing, just not behind the wheel,” said the 35-year-old Wolff on Tuesday.

“You can’t just switch off your competitive instincts when you stop driving and that determination and desire to achieve still burn brightly inside me.

“I took time to carefully decide the right direction for that challenge and I have now found the perfect next step, with the opportunity to become both a shareholder and Team Principal of Venturi Formula E Team.”

Described as "the funnest car I've ever driven" by none other than Kanye West, the Tesla Model S is now being used for<a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fedition.cnn.com%2F2018%2F04%2F25%2Fsport%2Felectric-gt-motorsport-series-esports-spt%2Findex.html"> a new zero emissions racing series</a> organized by Electric GT.
Tesla Model S P100D —
Described as "the funnest car I've ever driven" by none other than Kanye West, the Tesla Model S is now being used for a new zero emissions racing series organized by Electric GT.
Xavier Bourge / Electric GT
Details of the<a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fedition.cnn.com%2F2018%2F04%2F25%2Fsport%2Felectric-gt-motorsport-series-esports-spt%2Findex.html"> EGT Championship</a> were unveiled in April, with the inaugural season set to commence in the southern Spanish city of Jerez on November 3, 2018.
Tesla Model S P100D —
Details of the EGT Championship were unveiled in April, with the inaugural season set to commence in the southern Spanish city of Jerez on November 3, 2018.
Xavier Bourge / Electric GT
Able to accelerate from 0-60mph in just 1.85 seconds, the all-electric Rimac Concept Two is one of the fastest cars ever made.
Rimac Concept Two —
Able to accelerate from 0-60mph in just 1.85 seconds, the all-electric Rimac Concept Two is one of the fastest cars ever made.
Rimac
Unveiled at March's Geneva Motor Show, the Croatian hypercar boasts top speeds of 258mph (412kph) and is claimed to be "as capable on track as it is crossing continents." It can travel a quarter of a mile -- from standstill -- in just 9.1 seconds.
Rimac Concept Two —
Unveiled at March's Geneva Motor Show, the Croatian hypercar boasts top speeds of 258mph (412kph) and is claimed to be "as capable on track as it is crossing continents." It can travel a quarter of a mile -- from standstill -- in just 9.1 seconds.
Rimac
Designers claim the Concept Two has a range of over 400 miles (650km.) With facial recognition in lieu of a traditional key, it's one of numerous electric supercar concepts lighting up 2018.
Rimac Concept Two —
Designers claim the Concept Two has a range of over 400 miles (650km.) With facial recognition in lieu of a traditional key, it's one of numerous electric supercar concepts lighting up 2018.
Rimac
Offering a "new kind of luxury mobility," the interior design of the Aston Martin Lagonda Vision was overseen by Savile Row tailors.
Aston Martin Lagonda —
Offering a "new kind of luxury mobility," the interior design of the Aston Martin Lagonda Vision was overseen by Savile Row tailors.
Max Earey
As well as lush carpets of silk and cashmere, the self-driving car boasts front seats that rotate 180 degrees to facilitate face-to-face conversation on the move.
Aston Martin Lagonda —
As well as lush carpets of silk and cashmere, the self-driving car boasts front seats that rotate 180 degrees to facilitate face-to-face conversation on the move.
Max Earey
Designed in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the new Lamborghini concept is like nothing else on the road.
Lamborghini Terzo Millennio —
Designed in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the new Lamborghini concept is like nothing else on the road.
Tino Or
Italian for "Third Millennium," the Terzo Millenio would not look out of place in a sci-fi movie.
Lamborghini Terzo Millennio —
Italian for "Third Millennium," the Terzo Millenio would not look out of place in a sci-fi movie.
Lamborghini
Stefano Domenicali, Lamborghini CEO and Chairman, said the project "intends to write an important page in the future of super sports cars."
Lamborghini Terzo Millennio —
Stefano Domenicali, Lamborghini CEO and Chairman, said the project "intends to write an important page in the future of super sports cars."
Lamborghini
All-electric four-seater saloon from China, the LVCHI Auto Venere claims to have a range of 403 miles (650km).
LVCHI Auto Venere —
All-electric four-seater saloon from China, the LVCHI Auto Venere claims to have a range of 403 miles (650km).
LVCHI
It's longer than a Range Rover but that doesn't stop it shifting. The Auto Venere can reportedly accelerate from 0-100kph (62mph) in 2.7 seconds, delivering a top speed of 168mph (270kph).
LVCHI Auto Venere —
It's longer than a Range Rover but that doesn't stop it shifting. The Auto Venere can reportedly accelerate from 0-100kph (62mph) in 2.7 seconds, delivering a top speed of 168mph (270kph).
LVCHI
Designed to transport up to to six passengers simultaneously, the EZ-GO concept is Renault's "vision of shared urban mobility."
RENAULT EZ-GO —
Designed to transport up to to six passengers simultaneously, the EZ-GO concept is Renault's "vision of shared urban mobility."
Renault
The shared, electric driverless vehicle has been "built for the city" and has level four autonomous technology, meaning it would be able to handle all routine circumstances on recognizable roads.
RENAULT EZ-GO —
The shared, electric driverless vehicle has been "built for the city" and has level four autonomous technology, meaning it would be able to handle all routine circumstances on recognizable roads.
Renault
The days of the steering wheel may soon be over. Most controls aboard the IMx Kuro can be controlled via hand gestures and eye movements, according to the Japanese manufacturer.
Nissan IMx KURO —
The days of the steering wheel may soon be over. Most controls aboard the IMx Kuro can be controlled via hand gestures and eye movements, according to the Japanese manufacturer.
Nissan
Brain-to-Vehicle, or B2V, technology enables the KURO to interpret signals from the human brain, speeding up reaction times and paving the way for cars that learn from each other. Should the driver wish to sit back and let the car do the work, its seats recline and the steering wheel retracts into the dashboard.
Nissan IMx KURO —
Brain-to-Vehicle, or B2V, technology enables the KURO to interpret signals from the human brain, speeding up reaction times and paving the way for cars that learn from each other. Should the driver wish to sit back and let the car do the work, its seats recline and the steering wheel retracts into the dashboard.
Nissan
Expected to hit the roads by "2022 at the latest," the I.D. Vizzion is also designed to be used predominantly with voice and gesture.
Volkswagen I.D. Vizzion —
Expected to hit the roads by "2022 at the latest," the I.D. Vizzion is also designed to be used predominantly with voice and gesture.
HAROLD CUNNINGHAM/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
The car, unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, is said to boast a range of 413 miles (665km) between charges and level five autonomous driving -- meaning it can handle any situation a human could negotiate.
Volkswagen I.D. Vizzion —
The car, unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, is said to boast a range of 413 miles (665km) between charges and level five autonomous driving -- meaning it can handle any situation a human could negotiate.
FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Capable of accelerating from 0-60mph in 4.5 seconds, the first ever all-electric Jaguar has 395bhp and a range of 298 miles.
Jaguar I-Pace —
Capable of accelerating from 0-60mph in 4.5 seconds, the first ever all-electric Jaguar has 395bhp and a range of 298 miles.
Courtesy of Jaguar
"Every Jaguar feels like no other car on the road," says a statement from the iconic British manufacturer. "Moving to all-electric power doesn't change this."
Jaguar I-Pace —
"Every Jaguar feels like no other car on the road," says a statement from the iconic British manufacturer. "Moving to all-electric power doesn't change this."
Courtesy of Jaguar
With a "revolutionary" four-wheel drive powertrain developing 671bhp, the Elextra will reportedly move from standstill to 62mph (100 kph) in less than 2.3 seconds.
Elextra —
With a "revolutionary" four-wheel drive powertrain developing 671bhp, the Elextra will reportedly move from standstill to 62mph (100 kph) in less than 2.3 seconds.
Elextra
The Swiss-German built four-door car will have its top speed limited to 155mph (250 kph) but it boasts a range of over 600km on a single charge. <br />
Elextra —
The Swiss-German built four-door car will have its top speed limited to 155mph (250 kph) but it boasts a range of over 600km on a single charge.
Elextra
Hyunda claim the Le Fil Rouge adheres to the golden ratio -- a mathematical pattern found in nature -- culminating in a "sensuous sportiness."
Hyundai Le Fil Rouge —
Hyunda claim the Le Fil Rouge adheres to the golden ratio -- a mathematical pattern found in nature -- culminating in a "sensuous sportiness."
Hyundai
French for "common thread," Hyundai claim Le Fil Rouge is a car that connects Hyundai's past, present and future designs.
Hyundai Le Fil Rouge —
French for "common thread," Hyundai claim Le Fil Rouge is a car that connects Hyundai's past, present and future designs.
Hyundai
This one-seater offering might not be the fastest -- boasting estimated top speeds of just 82mph (130kph) -- but the diminutive three wheeler will zip you around the city where few other cars can go for just $15,500.
Electra Meccanica Solo —
This one-seater offering might not be the fastest -- boasting estimated top speeds of just 82mph (130kph) -- but the diminutive three wheeler will zip you around the city where few other cars can go for just $15,500.
David Becker/Getty Images North America/Getty Images
Described as the "safest SUV ever," the new Model X seats seven but can accelerate from 0-60mph in just 2.9 seconds.
Tesla Model X —
Described as the "safest SUV ever," the new Model X seats seven but can accelerate from 0-60mph in just 2.9 seconds.
Sean Gallup/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
An amalgamation of the BMW i3 and BMW i8, the i Vision Dynamics concept has a range of 373 miles and accelerates from 0-62mph in four seconds.
BMW i Vision Dynamics —
An amalgamation of the BMW i3 and BMW i8, the i Vision Dynamics concept has a range of 373 miles and accelerates from 0-62mph in four seconds.
Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images North America/Getty Images
Expect to see all-electric Minis on the roads by 2019, marking the 60th anniversary of the legendary marque's first car.
Mini Electric Concept Car —
Expect to see all-electric Minis on the roads by 2019, marking the 60th anniversary of the legendary marque's first car.
Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images North America/Getty Images
A four-wheel drive SUV concept from India, the futuristic looking e-Survivor will be powered by dual electric motors on each wheel and be equipped for autonomous travel.
Maruti Suzuki Electric e-Survivor —
A four-wheel drive SUV concept from India, the futuristic looking e-Survivor will be powered by dual electric motors on each wheel and be equipped for autonomous travel.
SAJJAD HUSSAIN/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Designed for track use only, the Chinese single-seat Techrules Ren RS can be configured with up to six electric motors, delivering up to 1,287bhp.
Techrules Ren RS —
Designed for track use only, the Chinese single-seat Techrules Ren RS can be configured with up to six electric motors, delivering up to 1,287bhp.
Techrules Racing
That lets it travel from 0-62mph (0-100kph) in three seconds with a max speed of 205mph (330kph).
Techrules Ren RS —
That lets it travel from 0-62mph (0-100kph) in three seconds with a max speed of 205mph (330kph).
Techrules Racing
<a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fcnnsport%2F" target="_blank" target="_blank"><strong>What electric supercar concepts have you found most exciting in 2018? </strong><em>Have your say on CNN Sport's Facebook page. </em></a>
Techrules Ren RS —
What electric supercar concepts have you found most exciting in 2018? Have your say on CNN Sport's Facebook page.
Techrules Racing
The electric supercars lighting up 2018

READ: The race car of the future

‘Oh so close’

When Wolff stepped away from Formula 1 in 2015 she wrote in a blog for the Huffington Post: “I got oh so close. I fought very hard to make it onto that starting grid but the events at the start of this year and the current environment in F1 the way it is, it isn’t going to happen.

“My progression into Formula One came to represent so much more than a racing driver simply trying to reach the pinnacle of the sport.

“I rode the wave, was energized by all the support and fought hard. There were those who wanted it to happen. Those who didn’t.”

As Venturi’s team principal Wolff will work with ex-F1 driver Felipe Massa, who will drive for the Monegasque Team in the all-electric series for the 2018/19 season.

The 37-year-old Massa, winner of 11 grands prix over the course of his 15-year F1 career, has signed a three-year contract.

READ: Motorsport great Felipe Massa to race in Formula E

“Formula E is the perfect environment for this step into team management: it is full of potential, breaking the mould for traditional racing series, and the series is enjoying an exciting phase of expansion at the moment,” added Wolff.

The Venturi team was co-founded by Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio.

“Her desire to become a shareholder illustrates an unwavering commitment which warms my heart,” said Venturi’s CEO Gildo Pastor.

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