Aston Martin-backed Mathilda Paatz continues the 2026 F1 Academy season with high expectations, as the German driver targets top rookie honours this year and hopes to make the most of this opportunity. She entered the season as one of several drivers who had previously competed in the series as a wildcard entry.
However, following an extensive evaluation programme in which she outperformed three other candidates, her impressive efforts secured her a full-time seat in the F1 Academy for 2026. While the start of her rookie season has begun with a P14 and P11 in Race 1 and 2 in Shanghai, Paatz returns to the track where she made her F1 Academy debut last year: Montreal.
With the backing of Aston Martin, Paatz shared how she’s fared with the step up to F1 Academy, noting that it hasn’t necessarily made her nervous. But instead, the German driver is determined to deliver strong results for the team that has placed its trust in her.
Paatz said: “I wouldn’t say nervous, but I definitely recognise that. With Aston Martin behind me, I definitely want to do a good job.
“It’s not that they are like, you need to win this series, but of course I want to make them happy. I want to make them proud, not only myself.”
Aiming for “a good comeback” in Montreal
In Shanghai, the 17 year-old only managed to qualify P16. While she showed promising progress by moving through the field, Paatz will be aiming for stronger results in Montreal.
“Of course there’s a bit of pressure, and more people looking at you is obviously something I notice, but the priority is obviously the action on track.”, Paatz said.
However, despite the disappointments, she reflected on the positives from the season opener, saying: “It didn’t go that well on track, but we made good improvements and I learned a lot on how to switch and adapt very quickly,”
“We’re working on that, but overall I think we can make a good comeback this year in Montreal.”
Paatz: “I think we can be the best rookie this season”
Racing with reigning Team Champions PREMA Racing, Paatz remains confident in her abilities and what they can achieve together.
“I feel very confident, to be honest, with Aston Martin and PREMA. Of course, it’s my first season so everything is new – the tracks and all the surroundings, but I think we can do a good job at one point.”
The German driver, taking confidence from his selection to represent an F1 team, aims to finish the season as the top rookie.
“I did something to impress Aston Martin that they chose me, so there’s definitely something I take from that. I think we can be the best rookie this season.”
As the 2026 F1 Academy season heads next to Montreal, Paatz will be aiming to bounce back stronger.
