F1 Academy has revealed that 20-year-old Dutch driver Esmee Kosterman will compete as the Wild Card entry for Round 5 of the championship at Circuit Zandvoort, representing global remote connectivity leader TeamViewer.
Kosterman’s debut promises to be particularly significant, as she will race in a specially designed livery celebrating women who are driving progress both within motorsport and beyond. The unique design forms part of TeamViewer’s “Visibility Drives Change” campaign, which aims to inspire women to envision themselves as tomorrow’s leaders.
A car featuring over 200 female role models
The striking livery on Kosterman’s #86 F1 Academy car will showcase the faces of more than 200 women who have served as inspirational figures across various industries, workplaces, paddocks, and personal spheres. This visual celebration of female achievement underscores the broader message that representation matters in driving meaningful change.
The choice of race number 86 carries particular significance, reflecting research findings from TeamViewer’s Women in Sport Tech report, conducted in collaboration with Loughborough University London. The study revealed that 86% of women believe having visible female leaders is crucial for achieving gender equality in the workplace.
Industry leaders emphasise the power of representation
Karin Fink, Head of Commercial Operations at F1 Academy, highlighted the sport’s potential to catalyse change: “Our sport has the power to inspire change, and we are incredibly proud to be championing women both on and off track.”
“We know that creating female role models in motorsport is already helping to improve participation at the junior level of racing, and working with TeamViewer, we are excited to take this further and inspire the next generation of women in STEM. Together our mission is to empower the next generation of female leaders and send a clear message: your presence matters, you are driving change.”
Faith Wheller, VP of Brand, Integrated Marketing and Sports Partnerships at TeamViewer, emphasised the company’s commitment to driving meaningful transformation: “It is our ambition to drive meaningful change both on and off the track. The opportunity to support Esmee in her F1 Academy debut whilst driving a car featuring role models is the next step in achieving this.”
“Our research found that not being able to see someone like you in a senior role made it harder to see a career in your chosen field. This is why it was so important to showcase so many role models on the car. Working with the F1 Academy to see this come to life has been a highlight of the partnership so far. We look forward to supporting Esmee in person at her home race.”
Home advantage for Dutch debut
Kosterman’s F1 Academy debut at Circuit Zandvoort will provide the additional motivation of competing on home soil, with Dutch fans expected to provide strong support for their compatriot. The timing of her Wild Card entry coincides perfectly with TeamViewer’s broader initiative to increase visibility for women in motorsport and technology sectors.
The collaboration between F1 Academy and TeamViewer represents more than just a sponsorship arrangement—it embodies a shared commitment to breaking down barriers and creating pathways for the next generation of women in STEM fields and motorsport. Through initiatives like the specially designed livery, both organisations are working to ensure that young women can see themselves reflected in positions of leadership and achievement.
