Latest news with #Oban
The Independent
3 days ago
- Business
- The Independent
Susie Wolff: ‘F1 is not a man's world anymore'
From a coastal upbringing in the west Scottish town of Oban and first racing in a go-kart at the age of eight, Susie Wolff has, at 42, just about seen it all in motorsport. A racing CV that includes stints in Formula Renault, Formula Three, the sports car series DTM and a trailblazing F1 test drive at Williams have been bookended post-retirement with executive roles at Mercedes and the Formula E team Venturi. But her latest venture is her true passion; some might say her life's work. Wolff is now managing director at the all-female racing series F1 Academy, a competition tasked with finding the next generation of top-quality female racers. Ultimately, the target – by the end of the decade – is for a woman to land a full-time seat in F1. By next year, a woman will have not started an F1 race for half a century, with the last instance being Lella Lombardi's appearance at the 1976 Austrian Grand Prix. When first launching F1 Academy, which now has the backing of all 10 teams and will race on the cards of seven different grands prix this year, Wolff said a woman on the grid was eight to 10 years away. Two years on, ahead of F1: The Academy launching on Netflix, she has not changed her forecast. 'I think about how much we've achieved in a short space of time,' Wolff tells The Independent, in Netflix's plush central London offices. 'The amount of young girls I see at karting tracks, the level we see in F1 Academy. It fills me with a lot of hope for the future. 'I know how tough Formula One is, it's 20 spots on the grid regardless of gender. It's tough. But you've got to hope that with the amount of female talent we're promoting, there has to be one girl that's good enough to be given the opportunity.' Wolff has fought this fight for some time. In 2014, with her appearance in a free practice session at the British Grand Prix, the Scot became the first woman to participate in an F1 weekend since 1992. She drove three more times in practice sessions over two years, and on one occasion, in Germany, recorded a time just two-tenths of a second off her teammate, the star Brazilian driver Felipe Massa. By the end of 2015, Wolff retired. She'd gone as far as she could go. But in the decade since, Wolff has seen a sport and a paddock keen to modernise. There are more women in F1 teams than ever before, whether in garages, communications or events. Support-wise, too, largely as a result of Netflix's Drive to Survive series, 42 per cent of the F1 fanbase is now female, with 18-24-year-old women being the fastest-growing demographic. 'I see the change, it's happening before my eyes,' Wolff says. 'The paddock has so many more women, in different roles and functions, but also because the world is changing – the sport has evolved with it. We can't rest on our laurels, but I do think we're heading in the right direction. 'If F1 Academy can inspire the next generation to realise that this is not a man's world anymore, we will have a lot of positive impact. I see how far we've come in a short space of time, we're challenging perceptions. We've got a lot of momentum.' Wolff exudes a relentless self-confidence in her words. Persuasive and articulate, she is married to Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff and is extremely well respected by her peers in the paddock. It is, after all, in the sport's best interests for a female driver to succeed and thrive in the years to come. However, as Wolff notes in the new docu-series with a powerful statement in the opening episode – 'we want to be more than just a moment, we want to be a movement' – a woman on the grid is not the be-all and end-all. 'Everyone presumes that our metric of success is if we get a girl to Formula One … no, that is not why we exist,' she explains. 'We want to open up the sport to challenge the perception that people think it is still a man's world. We've got the audience out there who are starting to engage with and love the sport. It's about just taking that momentum and creating long-term success.' Challenging the norm is the fulcrum of Wolff's vision. On International Women's Day in March, F1 Academy and Wolff (with a combined Instagram following close to two million) posted a powerful video of the drivers rallying back against misogyny and abuse online. 'It was made tongue in cheek, but it was a moment to realise how far we've come,' Wolff reflects, on a campaign suitably titled 'acclerating action.' 'For all you naysayers, all you that say women don't belong in sport, that women are not good enough as drivers... well, we're not just talking about it, we're doing it. Actions speak louder than words. It was more a way to challenge these outdated perceptions and views.' Wolff has overseen a transition from F1 Academy's opening weekend in 2023, which took place in front of a sparse crowd in Austria, to this year's season concluding on the streets of Las Vegas in November. Abbi Pulling, last year's dominant champion, is this year racing in the GB3 Championship – effectively a rung below F3 – in a fully funded drive. Wolff is watching the 22-year-old British driver's progress in 2025 with an optimistic eye. Yet, presently, all Wolff's goals are lasered in on the growth of women in motorsport, from karting all the way up to the single-seaters. The premiere of a Drive to Survive -esque docu-series on Netflix, with seven 45-minute-long episodes giving a behind-the-scenes look at those in the cockpit and beyond, is another feather in her cap. 'I knew it was going to be hugely important... to get that wider audience and change the perception of the sport,' she says. 'I live in a world that's very objective. Your race results, your business results, but when the first edits came through it was a very subjective conversation, because everyone's got an opinion and you can only really judge or put your opinion on the table. 'But I'm really proud of what we ended up with. I think we hit a very good balance between telling the story of the drivers, making it about the racing and not making it too flowery and girly, because it's still a tough environment – the sport is still tough.' Nobody, it seems, is better equipped to take on this sturdiest of challenges. 'I've spent my life in this sport, it's where my network is,' she says. 'I know what it's like to be an eight-year-old on a race-track and in an F1 car. 'I also know from a business perspective what this series needs to make it a success long-term. The results? They'll speak for themselves.'
Daily Record
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Bob MacIntyre makes strong start in US glory hunt as fellow Scot Ewan Ferguson flies the flag in Belgium
Tartan stars make solid openings to bids for success as MacIntyre looks to recover from frustrating PGA Championship last weekend Driven Bob MacIntyre has made a solid start in his bid for glory at the Charles Schwab Challenge. The Scottish star headed to Fort Worth in Texas for the event as he looks to recapture his best form ahead of a huge summer. MacIntyre endured a frustrating last weekend at the PGA Championship as he slipped down the standings after a bright opening two rounds, but he showed no ill effects with a couple under par round of 68 to take a smart ranking on leaderboard. The Oban ace and the rest of the field face a huge task with World No.1 Scottie Scheffler the headline act of the event, but MacIntyre stated at Quail Hollow that he feels something good is on the way, and his opening salvo at the Charles Schwab is another step forward as he hunts down a third triumph on the PGA Tour after famous wins in Canada and at his Genesis-sponsored home Open last year. On the DP World Tour, Ewen Ferguson is also off to a strong beginning as he looks for a success at the Soudal Open. The Glaswegian carded a 67 to end the first day just two behind joint-leaders Aaron Cockerill, Joost Luiten and Angel Ayora. Ferguson was able to cope with chilly conditions at the Belgian venue to produce a hot start with Grant Forrest two behind him after a two-under par effort.
Daily Record
18-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Bob MacIntyre suffers damp ending at the PGA Championship as initial title charge falters
The Scottish star endured a disappointing final day at Quail Hollow Dampened Bob MacIntyre suffered a watery end as he slipped down the final PGA Championship standings. The Scottish star went into the weekend in a strong position with high hopes of launching a title charge after an excellent first two days at Quail Hollow. But MacIntyre lost ground during the Saturday play and endured a disappointing final round as he struck a five-over par 76 to drop down the leaderboard. The Oban ace dropped shots on five of the first nine Sunday holes and, despite a mini-revival on the back nine, an approach into the stream at the side of the 18th for the second-successive day ended the tournament on a low note. Despite the frustrating finish, MacIntyre has much to shoot for in the coming weeks including the defence of his Canadian and Scottish Open titles, The Open Championship at Royal Portrush and a place in the Ryder Cup to try and claim. Former winning skipper Paul McGinley is a huge fan of the Scot and is tipping him to deliver as he said: 'It's been a graduation and there's a lot more to come from MacIntyre. 'He's got an edge about him, a competitive edge, that is going to drive him forward.' MacIntyre finished the tournament with a three-over par score of 287, the same tally as pre-tournament favourite and European team-mate Rory McIlroy. You can get all the news you need on our dedicated Rangers and Celtic pages, and sign up to our newsletters to make sure you never miss a beat throughout the season. We're also on WhatsApp where we bring all the latest breaking news and transfer gossip directly to you phone. Join our Rangers community here and our Celtic community here.
Press and Journal
18-05-2025
- Sport
- Press and Journal
Shinty: Super-sub helps Lovat into MacTavish Cup final - as Celtic Society Cup finalists also revealed
Greg Matheson came off the substitutes' bench to help send Lovat on their way to a 2-0 victory over Fort William and into shinty's WM Donald MacTavish Cup Final. Matheson forced the ball home when he was on the ground after Craig Mainland's long ball forward and good play from Graeme Macmillan on the left. Marc MacLachlan confirmed Lovat's MacTavish Cup victory on 70 minutes. It is a first final for new Lovat boss Iain Nicolson, who said: 'Super-sub Greg scored within his first couple of touches – but the whole squad rose to the task and I couldn't have asked any more of them. 'We knew we were in for a hard game with the form Fort are in, so to get the win, a clean sheet and two goals is credit to the boys.' Holders Kingussie are back in the MacTavish Cup final as Roddy Young's a low strike from a central position, and Savio Genini's lofted ball over the keeper from the left sealed their 2-0 win over Lochaber. Manager Iain Borthwick said: 'Where do I start with that game… 'We lost Liam Borthwick and Fraser Munro with hamstring injuries so had to change our plans and struggled to get going. 'I thought we deserved our two quick goals in the second half, but we still relied on a couple of good Rory McGregor saves before the end.' Scottish Sea Farms Glasgow Celtic Society Challenge Cup holders Oban Camanachd beat Glasgow Mid Argyll 2-1 to reach their final. Calum McLay – playing at full centre – surged forward before shooting through a ruck of players to put GMA ahead. But, following the first half water-break, the Oban side regrouped, finishing the half strongly with Ross Macmillan levelling after Daniel MacVicar's good run. With five minutes remaining, substitute Malcolm Clark floated the ball to the back post and Gregor Macdonald ran forward to take the ball down and win the tie. Oban assistant manager Iain MacMillan said: 'It could have gone either way during the final 10 minutes – and credit to GMA who are a good side and defended well – but we pressed at the end and got our reward. 'We weren't at our best quality-wise, but you can't fault the boys for their effort, application, fitness and attitude.' Meanwhile, Kyles Athletic also came good during the final 10 minutes to force extra-time and reach the final after beating Inveraray 3-2. Neil Campbell and Ruaraidh Graham had Inveraray 2-0 ahead before Luke Thornton countered for Kyles from a tight angle with just four minutes remaining. In the final minute, Innes Macdonald's corner broke back to him. He took a touch to better the angle and his shot flew by the keeper off a defender's boot. In extra-time, Will Cowie squared the ball across the D and James Pringle got across his marker to finish off the near post. In Saturday's league business, Newtonmore beat Kinlochshiel 2-0 to go fourth in the Mowi Premiership. Iain Robinson's early opener came from Matthew Sloss' free-hit, while his second from the right went in off keeper Josh Grant – who later redeemed himself with a brilliant save from the impressive Matthew Sloss, tipping the youngster's swerving shot over the bar. More manager Peter Ross said: 'The whole team are contributing, and we have to keep it going and keep playing our shinty. 'I thought Matthew Sloss was outstanding and was only denied a goal by Josh's wonder-save.' It's now four straight Newtonmore wins without conceding, and full-back Rory Kennedy added: 'Building a solid defence is massive for us. We know we've guys upfront who can score, so as long as we keep it tight at the back, we'll give ourselves every chance of winning games.' Caberfeidh were without injured talisman Craig Morrison, but Kevin Bartlett, Logan Beaton and Kyles Grant earned a 3-0 win over Beauly. Rory McDonald's brace and Scott Harvey's hat-trick helped Bute go third in the Mowi National Division after impressing 5-0 at Glenurquhart.
Daily Record
17-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Bob MacIntyre gets elite PGA Championship backing as Scots star convinced 'something good' is coming
Scottish star gunning for glory and bang in contention at Quail Hollow Title-contender Bob MacIntyre is being tipped for a huge weekend at the PGA Championship and says he's right where he wants to be as he bids to smash through the Major barrier. The Scottish star, who finished eighth 12 months ago at Valhalla, sits bang in the mix for title contention at Quail Hollow after a terrific first two days in North Carolina. MacIntyre is inside the Top 10 just four shots behind leader Jhonattan Vegas ahead of his 6.45pm Saturday tee-time alongside JT Poston. Ryder Cup -winning skipper Paul McGinley says the Oban hero can't be riuled out as he goes for glory as he stated: 'He's a guy you certainly wouldn't dismiss. He's got something about him. I've been watching him closely this year on the PGA Tour and he is very comfortable. "Also when you notice him around the other guys, how comfortable he is in their environment, too. He very much sees himself as an equal at that very, very top tier of the game. 'It's been a graduation and there's a lot more to come from MacIntyre. He's got an edge about him, a competitive edge, that is going to drive him forward.' MacIntyre, the current Canadian and Scottish Open champion, feels good about the prospect of a massive weekend having kept himself right in the picture which a solid Friday show. He said: 'The results haven't been there, but I can see light at the end of the tunnel. I feel like it is building. I feel something good is coming. Looking at the scoreboard, it is fairly bunched. Just keep doing what I'm doing and, hopefully Sunday on the back nine, I've got a chance and that's where I want to be. 'The game has been in good shape. It doesn't feel as comfortable as it has been. I've been in a hell of a graft the last couple of weeks. I mean, it's probably been the hardest I have ever worked. "It's hard not to see the negatives at times when tee to green has been really good and the putting is letting me down. But today [Friday] the putting really stood up when tee to green was poor and when you have the putter there to back you up it is always nice. 'Yesterday [Thursday] was pretty flawless whereas today was the complete opposite. I had to grind hard, but that's a part of the game I love to do. It's a bit more stressful, but it is part of it. Yeah, it is difficult when you don't know where it is quite going to go.' MacIntyre overcome a dreaded mudball on the final hole of his Friday round to keep the gap to Vegas at just four and he added: 'I got one trying to hit a 5-iron from 220 yards. It's difficult, but you've got to knuckle down and get round.' Follow Record Sport on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for all of the up-to-the minute breaking news, video and audio on the SPFL, the Scotland national team and beyond. You can get all the news you need on our dedicated Rangers and Celtic pages, and sign up to our newsletters to make sure you never miss a beat throughout the season. We're also WhatsApp where we bring all the latest breaking news and transfer gossip directly to you phone. Join our Rangers community here and our Celtic community here. Tune in to Hotline Live every Sunday to Thursday and have your say on the biggest issues in Scottish football and listen to Record Sport's newest podcast, Game On, every Friday for your sporting fix, all in bitesize chunks.
