What is F1 ACADEMY?
F1 ACADEMY is a project from Formula 1 to develop and prepare female drivers to progress to higher levels of competition.
The category is designed to give drivers access to more track time, racing and testing, as well as support with technical, physical, and mental preparations.
It will provide young talent in junior categories with access to the fundamental level of experience needed to progress to Formula 3 and join the Road to F1.
After the inaugural season in 2023, the series joined the F1 support bill in 2024.
Our team's first entry into the series came in that 2024 season, when French racer Doriane Pin finished runner-up in the standings.
A year later, Doriane claimed the title under the lights in Las Vegas, following in the footsteps of Marta Garcia and Abbi Pulling as drivers to become F1 ACADEMY champions.
Rules state that drivers may only do a maximum of two seasons in F1 ACADEMY, meaning Doriane - who graduated to the role of Development Driver in Brackley - makes way for Payton Westcott in 2026.
The all-women series’ fourth campaign will begin in Shanghai on March 14 and finish once again on the Las Vegas Strip on November 21.
The 2026 calendar has been designed to span three continents – Europe, Asia and North America – and will feature a mix of street circuits and traditional circuits, including Silverstone - which will host a round for the first time this year.