Susie Wolff: Rewriting the (Style) Formula

In the high-octane universe of motorsport, Susie Wolff cuts a commanding figure. Whether she’s walking the paddock in tailored trousers or leading strategic discussions as Managing Director of the F1 Academy, Wolff proves time and again that leadership can come in heels and that fashion is far from frivolous when it comes to redefining the game.

Precision, Performance, and Polish

Born in Oban, Scotland, Susie Wolff’s journey began behind the wheel at just eight years old. Her rise was as fast as the sport she loved. Susie earned titles in karting, climbing the ranks of Formula Renault and DTM, and ultimately making history in 2014 as the first woman in more than two decades to participate in a Formula 1 race weekend.

Yet, alongside the grit and grind of motorsport, Wolff curated something more nuanced: a signature style that never played second to performance. “I like being feminine; it’s my way of not conforming to the stereotype that if you’re a racing driver, you don’t care how you look,” she once shared. That perspective became her uniform as much as any fire suit.

Leading With Style

Wolff’s fashion sense is less about making statements and more about setting standards. Her aesthetic—structured blazers, monochrome palettes, and minimalist accessories—reflects her approach to leadership: focused, strategic, and undeniably refined. From the Formula E pit lane with Venturi Racing to the boardroom at F1 Academy, Wolff dresses with intent. And with over 40% of Formula 1 fans identifying as female, her style choices have not gone unnoticed.

Think ivory silk blouses layered under sharply tailored jackets. Think sleek ponytails and delicate jewelry paired with team radios. It’s an image of composure—and one that says you can lead with both strength and style.

“There was a point where I realized: I don’t need to blend in. I can lead as myself.”
Susie wolff, British Vogue, 2023

The Aesthetic of Authority

Susie Wolff doesn’t just wear clothes; she crafts a visual identity that commands respect without abandoning femininity. Her look is boardroom-ready but paddock-tested. Cue the wide-leg trousers, clean lines, and sunglasses as sharp as her race-day instincts. It’s a wardrobe that tells a story of competence and confidence. In a sport where image is often synonymous with performance, Wolff shows that your outfit can be another form of strategy.

And now, leading the F1 Academy, she’s mentoring a generation of young drivers, many of whom are taking their own cues in fashion. Wolff’s example makes it clear: you don’t have to tone down your femininity to be taken seriously in motorsport. You can, in fact, turn it into a competitive edge.

Fashion as a Form of Advocacy

Wolff’s influence goes far beyond the podium. Through initiatives like “Dare to be Different,” she’s working to make motorsport more inclusive—from the pit crew to the press box. And while the work is serious, her wardrobe makes one thing certain: advocacy doesn’t need to wear black.

Her fashion sense aligns with her mission; elevated yet accessible, elegant yet pragmatic. No high drama, just high function with a side of flair. Her appearances at industry events feel more like masterclasses in modern leadership styling than red carpets. And that, in itself, is a statement.

The Legacy She’s Wearing

At the heart of Susie Wolff’s appeal is consistency—on the track, in her leadership, and yes, in her wardrobe. She is proof that fashion and motorsport are not mutually exclusive, but harmoniously aligned when wielded with purpose.

I like being feminine; it’s my way of not conforming to the stereotype that if you’re a racing driver, you don’t care how you look
SUSIE WOlff

She’s not chasing trends. She’s defining what modern leadership looks like in a world that’s finally learning to celebrate complexity. Her fashion is part of a larger narrative, one that tells girls they can show up in the pit lane or the boardroom exactly as they are. As F1 Academy expands under her guidance, it’s doing so with a new kind of role model at the helm: one who doesn’t just talk about inclusion and empowerment—she dresses for it.

Because Susie Wolff doesn’t just lead the next generation of drivers. She embodies the future.

I think the way I look and the way I feel are very connected. As a woman you always wish that you had this or had that. But I’m healthy and I wake up feeling good, so I’m thankful.
SUSIE WOLFF