F1 driver Susie Wolff to retire at end of season

Grove (England): Formula 1 team Williams on Wednesday confirmed that following four successful years with the team, woman racer Susie Wolff will retire from competitive motorsport at the end of the season.

Susie said she would want to thank Williams for the opportunity given to her but added that she is looking forward to new challenges in the future.

"I'd like to thank Williams for the opportunity they have given me over the last few years which has allowed me to achieve my dream of driving a Formula 1 car," Susie said.

"It has been great to work with everyone at the team, both at Grove and trackside, and I'd like to thank everyone who has been part of my journey at Williams. I am now closing this chapter but looking forward to new challenges in the future."

Since being appointed as development driver in April 2012, Susie worked tirelessly for three years with the team before being promoted to official test driver in 2015.

Her role has seen her play a big part in the development of the FW35, FW36 and FW37 cars through extensive simulator work alongside getting behind the wheel for straight line aerodynamic tests and during numerous test days. Susie is married to Toto Wolff, executive director of Mercedes-Benz motorsports.

This culminated in her driving the FW36 during practice at the 2014 British and German Grands Prix, becoming the first female driver to drive in a Grand Prix weekend for two decades.

"It has been a pleasure to work with Susie over the years and see her develop as a driver within the team. Her feedback and knowledge of the car has been an important part of our recent development and we will be sorry to see her go," Williams deputy team principal Claire Williams said.

"We want to thank her for all her efforts and wish her the very best for her future endeavours. We will of course be supporting both Susie and Felipe at the Race of Champions, and hope Susie has a great weekend to mark the last time we see her race."