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By Luke Smith
Former Williams test driver Susie Wolff believes that Formula 1 is no longer a man’s world thanks to the increasing numbers of women working in the paddock and enjoying high-profile roles.
Wolff became the
first woman in 22 years to take part in a grand prix weekend when she represented Williams in practice for the 2014 British Grand Prix.
Wolff took part in a further three practice sessions before announcing last month that she would be
retiring from motorsport at the end of 2015.
Despite never starting a grand prix,
Wolff did a great deal to aid the profile of women in F1, as have the likes of Sauber team principal Monisha Kaltenborn and Williams deputy boss Claire Williams.
Wolff believes that the increased presence of women in F1 will help to inspire future generations of women looking to work in motorsport.
“People tell me it’s a man’s world but it’s not any more,” Wolff told MotorSportsTalk. “There are many fantastic women working not only within Formula 1 but in many other different categories.
“I think we just need to celebrate them and make sure that we use them on the platform that we have now to inspire the next generation.
“I think we need more little girls starting at a young age so that the best rise to the top, and of course we just need to maybe give a little bit more attention and exposure to women who are doing a great job.
“There are some out there who are actually in lower categories very competitive. In my career, if I look back I was given two big chances: first with Mercedes-Benz in German touring car championship and then with Williams.
“We’ve got to get these girls getting chances and I will definitely dedicate some time and energy to helping them.”