LAS VEGAS — Susie Wolff was the one who actually broke the news.
F1 Academy’s managing director spoke to the crowd of hundreds of people who piled into Casa Playa for Female Quotient’s Equality Lounge. She began a round of introductions for the first panel, which included herself, Naomi Schiff, Tommy Hilfiger and 15-year-old Alba Hurup Larsen, who will race in the fashion brand’s red, white and blue colors next year in F1 Academy.
Sat onstage next to the 73-year-old fashion designer, Hurup Larsen didn’t appear nervous or starstruck. She listened to Wolff and Hilfiger discuss partnerships and women’s sports before answering a few questions about her future. She will fill the vacancy left by Spanish driver Nerea Martí, who will have completed her second and final season in the all-women junior racing series at the end of the year. F1 Academy has a two-season limit, which prevents drivers’ careers from becoming stagnant and aims to help promote young talent. There is also an age requirement; the youngest allowed to compete full-time is 16 years old (which Hurup Larsen will turn in December).
“I’m deeply honored that Tommy has entrusted me to fly his flag in the F1 Academy,” Hurup Larsen said in the company’s announcement. “Having this support at such a…
