SUMMARY
- The F1 Academy under Susie Wolff partners with Charlotte Tilbury, promoting confidence and empowering aspiring female drivers.
- Female presence in motorsports grows, with only five women officially competing in Formula 1 races.
In a sport dominated by males, Susie Wolff is the epitome of representation and inclusion of women in Formula 1. After coming into prominence as a professional racing driver, she has been a formidable force who dominated the men in the sport. Despite the controversy involving her husband Toto Wolff that arose recently, Susie serves as the managing director of F1 Academy and mentors young prodigies.
But in 2023, the newly introduced F1 Academy began its expansion by offering young female drivers increased track time, racing opportunities, and comprehensive support to advance to Formula 3 and chase their aspirations in the field of motorsports. As per reports, the F1 Academy has introduced its new brand partner, the popular British beauty brand Charlotte Tilbury named after its founder.
F1 Academy x Charlotte Tilbury: New initiative by Susie Wolff
The collaboration between beauty mogul Charlotte Tilbury and the F1 Academy aligns perfectly with their respective moto. Tilbury’s mission to promote confidence through skincare and makeup resonates with empowering young women in pursuit of their dreams. This marks a revolutionary partnership between the F1 Academy and a female-founded makeup brand.
.@F1Academy, F1’s all-women junior series, has inked a global sponsorship deal with high-end cosmetics brand Charlotte Tilbury (@CTilburyMakeup), which will design one of the cars on the grid this year. pic.twitter.com/gbCfkIYdLA
— Adam Stern (@A_S12) February 16, 2024
According to the British entrepreneur, “Empowering everyone, everywhere to unlock the magic of confidence has always been my passion and purpose – a vision shared by [F1 Academy managing director] Susie Wolff and F1 Academy…We are standing proudly behind the incredible young women making waves in the fast-paced world of Formula 1.”
With an elegant livery and racing outfit reminiscent of the beauty brand, Charlotte Tilbury’s sponsorship of Lola Lovinfosse is a ground-breaking move. However, in 2024, the partnership will spotlight the academy’s 15 young female drivers, including Lovinfosse. The French driver will race a ‘Charlotte Tilbury operated by Rodin’ car, adorned with the beauty brand’s iconic ‘Hot Lip’ symbol.
Women in Formula 1: A pioneering initiative
In the male-dominated realm of motorsports, women are carving their niche. Over time, female drivers have graced Formula 1, the IndyCar Series, and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Their presence continues to gain momentum, reflecting the growing interest of women in racing. The appointment of 19-year-old Filipina driver Bianca Bustamante in McLaren was a breath of change.
Want to work in F1? 🏎 @Microsoft and the Race into STEM initiative are offering five fans 1-2-1 mentoring with women working at Alpine!
To help get your F1 career started, go to our #LinkInBio ⛓#Alpine #RaceIntoSTEM pic.twitter.com/h8dBMQuraW
— MONIER_FAN BWT ALPINE F1 TEAM (@MonierAlpine77) February 14, 2024
Only five women have officially competed in Formula 1 Grand Prix races. Leading the way as the trailblazer, Maria Teresa de Filippis made her racing debut in 1958 and 1959, competing in five races. Despite these efforts, Formula 1 history notes only five female drivers and minimal female participation in motorsport, hovering around 5%.
In comes in contrast to 40% of F1 enthusiasts who are women, with 80% anticipating female drivers in F1 within the next decade. However, according to Susie Wolff, “I believe it’s eight to 10 years away from happening. That’s not just because we are lacking the female talent pool and lacking those who progress through the sport but also because of the realization that getting to F1 is incredibly tough.”
As the dynamics of F1 are changing, Wolff had earlier appreciated Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton to come out as a supporter to this good cause.