Natalia Granada made an immediate impression during her 2026 F1 Academy debut, securing a P2 finish in the Reverse Grid Race at Shanghai. The 18 year old, who previously only had experience in karting and GTs, earned her seat with PREMA Racing after impressing at the inaugural F1 Academy Rookie Test.
Granada qualified seventh before converting that into a confident podium finish. However, contact with Racing Bulls’ Rafaela Ferreira on the opening lap of the Feature Race forced a front wing change and limited her to P14 at the chequered flag. Despite the setback, the Spanish driver left Shanghai with plenty of encouragement from her opening weekend.
Granada adjusts to life in single-seaters
Making the step from karting and GTs into single-seaters is one of the biggest transitions a young driver can face. Granada was candid about the difference she has encountered early in her 2026 F1 Academy campaign.
“Compared to my go-kart experience, which is what I had up until now, it’s definitely a completely different car,” Granada stated.
She continued: “We’re handling an actual mechanical grip, some aerodynamics – it’s a completely different thing, but I think it’s very important as a driver, especially early in our careers, to experience different cars and to learn to handle all of them, handle new aspects of each different car and it’s very exciting to be able to get more comfortable with it.”
Granada on her partnership with PREMA and Sephora
A key factor behind Granada’s strong start has been the environment around her. This season marks makeup brand Sephora’s first time as an official partner in F1 Academy, and Granada feels the combination of team and partner represents a strong platform.
“I think it’s such a great platform for me personally as a driver, and then to be able to represent such a brand on this stage is a great responsibility,” she said. “Let’s work towards building a good year.”
Granada also spoke warmly about her relationship with PREMA. Having worked with the Italian squad previously, she feels the partnership is well suited to what she needs in her first F1 Academy season.
“I’m sure I have a great team beside me with PREMA, who I’ve had the chance to work with previously. I don’t think I could have a better match for this year.”
Sets sights on consistent points finishes in F1 Academy
Despite the promising start, Granada is under no illusions about the challenges that lie ahead. She was thoughtful when assessing what the rest of the season may bring.
“Definitely there are challenges coming up,” she stated. “It’s hard to predict how many, but it will be a very interesting season. A lot of learning, my first single-seater racing year, so I think there will be many aspects to get comfortable with, to have a bit more experience in.”
Granada also pointed to the competitive nature of the 2026 field as a reason to keep expectations measured. The grid features a strong mix of rookies and returning experienced drivers.
“Advancing through the year, there will be changes. There have been multiple seasons of F1 ACADEMY. I don’t think how it starts sets how the season will end,” she stated.
Granada remained focused on building consistency as the primary goal for her 2026 F1 Academy season, rather than chasing headline results too soon.
“Also considering we have a lot of rookies this year, this season, and some very experienced drivers are repeating. Let’s see, but definitely the goal is to be up there consistently. Time will tell exactly where we can be,” Granada concluded.
