In 2014, Susie Wolff became the first woman in more than 20 years to take part in an official Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend, driving for Williams in a Friday free-practice sessions at Silverstone.

While Suzie, who is married Mercedes Motorsport boss Toto Wolff, has held on to her F1 ambitions to the best of her ability, opportunities have unfortunately not come her way, and the young woman now contemplates her future in the sport.

"I can't wait on the sidelines forever for my chance," Wolff told CNN.

"There doesn't seem to be many opportunities for next year to get onto the grid. This is going to be a winter of reflection because either it happens or it doesn't."

Williams deputy Team Principal, Claire Williams, who may understand her driver's hardship and circumstance better than anyone else, believes a woman,just like any other aspiring F1 driver, must earn her credentials in Grand Prix racing.

"Susie has to keep working hard," Williams explained. "She has to make sure she's the full package she can be. At the moment Susie is our test driver. We'll see where we end up at the end of the season."

Asked how confident she was of ever making it permanently to the big time, Wolff responded: "I'm very ambitious but I'm also very realistic. It's going to be tough. It's going to be very tough."

Click here for F1i's driver ratings after the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps. 

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

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