Wolff’s FIA president bid hits huge stumbling bl…. read more
Susie Wolff, a well-respected figure in motorsport and the current managing director of the F1 Academy, has emerged as a rumored contender to become the next president of the FIA. However, her path to possibly leading motorsport’s global governing body might already be encountering serious obstacles.
The speculation surrounding Wolff’s potential candidacy gained momentum just ahead of the opening round of the 2025 Formula 1 season. According to reports circulating in Italian media, Wolff has expressed a strong interest in stepping up to replace the current FIA president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem. Ben Sulayem has been at the helm of the FIA since December 2021, but his leadership has been the subject of mixed reviews in the paddock, fueling talks of potential challengers, with Wolff’s name now being a hot topic.
Despite the growing rumors, Wolff herself has yet to make any public statement to either confirm or deny her intentions of pursuing the position. For now, it appears her attention remains firmly locked on her duties with the F1 Academy, an all-female single-seater championship that has gained considerable traction since its inception in 2023.
The F1 Academy, under Wolff’s guidance, has quickly become an essential platform for promoting female talent in motorsport. The series is preparing for its third season this year, and Wolff has been credited for playing a pivotal role in its rapid development and growing popularity. Sources close to Wolff suggest that she is determined to ensure the championship continues its upward trajectory before considering any major career shift, especially one as significant as leading the FIA.
Nonetheless, the idea of Wolff at the FIA’s helm has received notable backing from key figures within the racing world. Damon Hill, the 1996 Formula 1 World Champion and a respected voice in the sport, has openly voiced his support for Wolff, believing she could bring a much-needed fresh perspective and strong leadership to the organization. Hill’s endorsement has only added more weight to the rumors and intensified discussions within the F1 community.
However, Wolff’s potential candidacy might not be as straightforward as it initially seemed. A major stumbling block could be her close personal and professional connection to Mercedes F1 team principal Toto Wolff, who is also her husband. This relationship raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest, given Mercedes’ significant influence in Formula 1. Critics argue that Wolff’s leadership could be perceived as biased, particularly in a sport where team rivalries and competitive fairness are crucial.
While Wolff has consistently demonstrated her ability to manage roles with professionalism and independence, the FIA presidency would subject her to even greater scrutiny. Any perception of favoritism or imbalance could be detrimental to the FIA’s credibility, particularly as Formula 1 continues to expand its global footprint and commercial value.
Adding to the complexity, Wolff’s potential campaign for the FIA presidency would come at a time when the organization is facing multiple challenges, including governance reforms, sustainability goals, and improving diversity and inclusion across all levels of motorsport. Supporters argue that Wolff’s track record with the F1 Academy shows her capability to address these pressing matters, but opponents remain cautious.
For now, Wolff remains committed to overseeing the F1 Academy’s 2025 campaign, with preparations well underway for what promises to be another competitive season. Whether she will shift her focus to one of the most powerful roles in motorsport governance remains to be seen, but the growing speculation and subsequent debates suggest her name will remain in the headlines for the foreseeable future.
As anticipation builds, all eyes will be on how Wolff navigates the coming months. Will she officially throw her hat into the ring and seek to become the FIA’s first female president, or will the hurdles — including the perceived conflict of interest — prove too significant to overcome? Motorsport insiders and fans alike will be watching closely.
