F1 Academy
F1 Academy is an all-female, Formula 4-level single-seater championship founded by Formula One Management in 2023. Racing at selected Formula 1 weekends, it provides professional infrastructure and global visibility to the next generation of female racing drivers.
History
Launched in 2023 with backing from all ten F1 teams — each sponsoring two cars — F1 Academy filled a gap left by the W Series, which folded in 2022. The series uses a spec Tatuus T-421 chassis with a 1.4-litre turbocharged engine. Its debut season attracted 15 drivers and was won by Marta García. A two-season participation limit keeps the field refreshed, and a Discover Your Drive kart programme now feeds talent directly onto the grid. The 2026 season is the fourth edition, featuring six teams and 18 drivers across 7 event weekends co-located with F1.
Teams & Drivers — 2026
| Team | Driver 1 | Driver 2 | Driver 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prema Racing (defending champions) | Mathilda Paatz | Payton Westcott | Natalia Granada |
| Campos Racing | Megan Bruce | Rafaela Ferreira | Alisha Palmowski |
| MP Motorsport | Nina Gademan | Alba Hurup Larsen | Esmee Kosterman |
| Rodin Motorsport | Ella Lloyd | Ella Stevens | Emma Felbermayr |
| ART Grand Prix | Jade Jacquet | Lisa Billard | Kaylee Countryman |
| Hitech | Rachel Robertson | Ava Dobson | Wild Card |
11 rookies on the 2026 grid. Each team's third car may carry a wild card entry at select rounds.
2026 Calendar
