This was published 10 years ago
F1 trailblazer Susie Wolff ends career
Susie Wolff, who became the first woman in 22 years to compete in a F1 free practice session, is quitting motorsport.
The trailblazer for female athletes around the world announced overnight that she is ending her career as an F1 test driver for Williams.
"The time has come to hang up my helmet and call it a day," she said in a blog entry. "It has been an incredible journey with many ups and downs. I feel privileged to have turned my passion into my profession."
Wolff says Spaniard Maria de Villota was one of her inspirations.
De Villota lost the sight in her right eye in a crash. (Getty)
She had previously tested for Formula One's Lotus-Renault. (Getty)
She was an inspiration to Simona de Silvestro (R) and Queenslander Renee Gracie.
This year they formed the first all-female driver pairing in 17 years.
De Silvestro was a former Sauber F1 test driver.
Gracie's profile in Australian motorsport skyrocketed after Bathurst.
Wolff (nee Stoddart) was born in Scotland in 1982. (Getty Images)
Her love of motorsport began with karting when she was eight. (Getty Images)
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