Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsWilliams

Susie Wolff retires from motor racing

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Williams has confirmed that following four successful years with the team, Susie Wolff will retire from competitive motorsport at the end of the 2015 season.

Since being appointed as Development Driver in April 2012, Susie worked closely with Williams over the years before being promoted to the role of official test driver in 2015.

The 32-year-old wife of Mercedes Motorsport boss Toto Wolff helped develop the team's FW35, FW36 and FW37 machines through extensive simulator work alongside getting behind the wheel for straight line aerodynamic tests and during numerous test days.

This culminated in her driving the FW36 during FP1 at the 2014 British and German Grands Prix, becoming the first female driver to drive in a Grand Prix weekend for two decades.

“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.”

Claire Williams, Deputy Team Principal commented: “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"

"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.”

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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.