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Mercedes anger revealed after F1 star’s name change
A former Mercedes racer, Susie Wolff, disclosed the team’s marketing department’s disapproval after she changed her name from Stoddart. Prior to her marriage to Toto Wolff in 2011, she raced with Mercedes-Benz in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters from 2006-2012 and later joined Williams F1 as a development driver.
Wolff made history as the first female racer in 22 years to compete in an official timed session in Formula 1, driving for Williams at the 2014 British Grand Prix. She retired from racing at the end of 2015 but continues to support young female racers and now leads the F1 Academy, an all-female racing series aimed at promoting talent in single-seater racing.
Despite initial resistance from Mercedes’ marketing team when she changed her name, Wolff persevered, emphasizing that she was now part of a team with her husband. Her racing career was highlighted by competitive performances in various Grand Prix weekends, and she has since focused on empowering women in motorsport through initiatives like ‘Dare to Be Different.’
Wolff’s legacy extends beyond the racetrack, as she continues to inspire the next generation of female talent in F1 and remains connected to the sport through her various roles and contributions.
