Williams F1 test driver Susie Wolff to retire from motorsport

Williams Formula One (F1) test driver Susie Wolff is set to retire from motorsport at the end of the 2015 season after being part of the team for four years.

Wolff became the first woman in 22 years to take part in a Grand Prix weekend when she drove in FP1 during the British Grand Prix last year.

“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. It has been great to work with everyone at the team...I’d like to thank everyone who has been part of my journey at Williams,” said Wolff.

Wolff, the wife of Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 team principal Toto Wolff, joined Williams F1 in 2012 after racing for seven years in the DTM. During her stay in Williams, Wolff competed in four FP1 sessions and played a key role in the development of the team's recent cars through extensive simulator work and straight-line aerodynamic testing.

Williams F1 deputy team principal Claire Williams said that it has been a pleasure to work with Wolff.

“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 endeavors,” said Williams.

Wolff's final outing as a driver will be at the Race of Champions in London's Olympic Stadium on November 20 to 21. She will compete with Williams teammate Felipe Massa, Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo, Force India’s Nico Hulkenberg and Lotus’s Romain Grosjean.