Five unlikely epic drives

In 2014, British racing driver Susie Wolff became the first woman in 22 years to take part in a Formula One race weekend when she drove in the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. She has been signed to the Williams team as a development driver since 2012 and is also an ambassador for Mercedes-Benz. Here, Susie shares her most meaningful drives, on and off the race track.

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Glasgow Airport to Oban, Scotland

Driving through the Highlands on the west coast of Scotland is symbolic for me – it’s where I grew up. Oban is a small town, and there’s a special moment when you turn the corner and see the water. The drive is very picturesque. Even during winter when it’s lashing with rain, there’s snow on the mountaintops and everything is wonderfully green.

Car of choice: Mercedes-Benz C63

Photo: Anja Behrens

Along Lake Constance, Switzerland

I live with my husband in Switzerland, on Lake Constance – close to the Swiss-German border. When we drive to see his family in Austria, we travel about 45 minutes from our small town, Ermatingen, along the road by the lake towards the mountains. It’s a slow and scenic drive as there’s no real chance of speeding in Switzerland. I prefer driving it in the winter when all the tourists have gone home.

Car of choice: Mercedes-Benz E63

Photo: Getty Images

Arjeplog, Arctic Circle

Mercedes-AMG has its AMG Driving Academy Winter Sporting about 25km from the Arctic Circle. When the lakes freeze over, they build four race tracks on the ice. I used to work as an instructor there, and now, as a Mercedes-Benz ambassador, I go every March for a driving event. The landscape is so different from anywhere else. You can just blast round, drifting the whole way.

Car of choice: A purpose-built C62 with spikes, or an SLK

Photo: Getty Images

Salzburg to Kitzbühel

I like to ski, so this is the route I take to my favourite resort, Kitzbühel. It goes through Austria’s beautiful mountainous area, past traditional wooden chalets. It’s not a drive to rush – sometimes the snow means you’re crawling along at 20km per hour. I tend to do it mid-morning or mid-afternoon with the promise of lunch or dinner.

Car of choice: Mercedes-Benz ML63

Photo: Getty Images

Ermatingen to Stuttgart

When I raced a Mercedes-Benz in the German Touring Car Championship, the base was just outside Stuttgart, so it’s a journey I made for seven years. The E41 is one of the few motorways still without speed limits. I favour driving it early in the morning or late at night. When there’s no traffic and you’re in a nice car, it’s good to put your foot down.

Car of choice: Mercedes-Benz S-Class coupé

Photo: Getty Images

Susie Wolff

Five unlikely epic drives

Glasgow Airport to Oban, Scotland

Along Lake Constance, Switzerland

Arjeplog, Arctic Circle

Salzburg to Kitzbühel

Ermatingen to Stuttgart

Glasgow Airport to Oban, Scotland

Along Lake Constance, Switzerland

Arjeplog, Arctic Circle

Salzburg to Kitzbühel

Ermatingen to Stuttgart

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