From the tender age of eight, the roar of engines and the thrill of speed have been integral to my life. Racing isn’t just a hobby; it’s woven into my DNA. My father’s history in motorbike racing, and my parents’ shared passion evident in their motorbike shop in Scotland, set the stage for my own journey in motorsports.
My childhood memories are filled with the scent of gasoline and the excitement of the racetrack. While my dad pursued motorbike racing, my brother and I spent countless hours on Fun Karts, circling the periphery of the main track. It wasn’t long before my dad, shifting gears from his own racing career, fueled our passion by gifting us our own karts.
What began as childhood fun rapidly evolved into a serious passion. I immersed myself in kart racing, starting at the club level and progressively climbing the ranks. By the age of 18, I achieved a significant milestone, finishing 15th in the World Championships. Reflecting on those formative years, I realize now that I was simply pursuing my passion, oblivious to any perceived norms or limitations. My parents were instrumental in this, offering unwavering support, treating me no differently than my brother, and never suggesting that my aspirations were unconventional for a girl. My mother, a working woman supporting my father, mirrored the equality in their relationship, instilling in me the belief that any dream was attainable, irrespective of gender.
Transitioning to single-seater racing, the stepping stones to Formula One, marked a pivotal point in my career. In 2003, I broke barriers by becoming the first female driver ever nominated for the UK’s prestigious “Young Driver of the Year Award.” Although victory eluded me that year, the nomination itself was a validation of my progress.
The following year, I received a second nomination. The awards ceremony in London was a grand affair, with Sir Jackie Stewart, a Scottish racing legend and three-time Formula One World Champion, presenting the awards. As the finalists, all six of us, stood on stage, Sir Jackie announced the names of the five male drivers, then paused, feigning confusion, “Oh, it looks like we are missing the sixth driver.”
Stepping forward into the spotlight, I confidently stated, “My name is Susie, and I am the sixth driver.” A puzzled look crossed his face, followed by a chuckle, “Oh, that’s right, I forgot there was a girl in the final this year.” In that moment, a sense of disappointment washed over me; I knew I hadn’t won again. Adding to the sting, after the ceremony, Sir Jackie’s wife approached me, her expression mirroring her husband’s bewilderment, and questioned, “Why would a girl like you ever want to be a racing driver?”
Did such moments of casual sexism and underestimation affect me? Absolutely. However, racing is my driving force, my passion. Each dismissive comment, each instance of being overlooked, only fueled my determination to prove doubters wrong and achieve victory.
Unbeknownst to me, the head of Mercedes Benz Motorsport was among the audience at that awards ceremony. A year later, my name resurfaced in his memory, leading to an unexpected offer: a test drive in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM), the highly competitive German Touring Car Championship. Arriving at the test track, I was initially mistaken for a member of the press or marketing team. Once I clarified that I was there to drive, I seized the opportunity, approaching the test with a nothing-to-lose attitude.
A week later, the phone rang. It was Mercedes-Benz, offering me not just a racing contract, but also a role as a brand ambassador. A one-year contract blossomed into a remarkable seven-year partnership. During my final two years with Mercedes, the company presented an unusual proposition: to drive a pink car as a marketing tool. My initial reaction was hesitant. A blond woman in a pink car? It felt like playing into a tired cliché.
However, I recognized a potential positive impact. To my surprise, young girls, adorned in pink outfits, started attending the races, eager to see and meet the “pink car driver.” Fathers approached me, sharing stories of how their daughters, previously indifferent to motorsports, had suddenly become fascinated by racing because of the pink car. Perhaps it was a stereotype, but it served as a powerful visual, sparking interest and conveying a message to these young girls: racing is for everyone, including them. The Pink Tool For Car, though unconventional, became an unexpected bridge, widening the appeal of motorsports to a new generation of female fans.
My seventh and final season in the German Championship with Mercedes-Benz concluded last year. A persistent feeling within me suggested that there was more to achieve, that I needed to step outside my comfort zone and push my boundaries further. Formula One, the pinnacle of motorsport, became my unwavering focus.
Currently, I am the development driver for the Williams F1 team. Late last year, I successfully completed my first Formula One test. This July, I am slated to compete against the most promising young drivers in an upcoming young driver test. Skepticism persists. Some predict embarrassment for the team, deeming my F1 aspirations unattainable. Sir Stirling Moss, a retired F1 legend, publicly stated that women lack the mental capacity for Formula One driving. These comments serve as further motivation. My mission isn’t to prove female drivers are superior to men. It’s about pursuing my lifelong passion and demonstrating what’s possible through dedication and perseverance.
Two years ago, I married a wonderful man, himself a former racing driver. He recalls hearing stories years before we met about a girl consistently outperforming the boys on the track. He ended up marrying that girl. This January, he was appointed as the new head of Mercedes Benz Motorsport, and he remains my steadfast supporter, navigating the highs and lows of my career alongside me. I am acutely aware that such unwavering support from a partner is rare, and his encouragement constantly propels me to strive for my best.
The inspirational impact of my story was something I hadn’t fully grasped until my brother, who chose a different creative path as a film director, produced a BBC documentary about my racing journey. The overwhelmingly positive response, particularly from women who felt inspired by my experiences, was truly eye-opening. It prompted deeper reflection on the broader issue of women in male-dominated fields. Reading “Lean In” resonated deeply, highlighting the shared challenges women face across various professional landscapes. Supporting each other, leaning in, and striving for excellence are crucial steps for women to thrive in any field.
