F1 Academy has confirmed Lisa Billard as the Wild Card entry for Round 6 of the 2025 F1 Academy season at the F1 Singapore GP. At just 16 years old, she becomes the youngest Wild Card driver in the series’ history, driving the #60 car in a special Gatorade livery to mark the brand’s 60th anniversary.
Her debut will take place at the iconic Marina Bay Street Circuit, where the all-female championship returns for its second year under the lights. The Singapore race remains one of three night events on the 2025 calendar, providing a dramatic stage for Billard’s first competitive outing in the series.
Celebrating a new era with Gatorade
Billard’s entry also highlights the expanding impact of F1 Academy’s long-term partnership with Gatorade, which extends until 2030. Through this collaboration, the championship gains not only financial backing but also direct access to world-class sports science and hydration expertise. As a result, the drivers benefit from tailored support designed to enhance their performance both on and off the track.
Karin Fink, Head of Commercial Operations at F1 Academy, welcomed the announcement: “It’s fantastic to see our youngest ever F1 Academy Wild Card driver benefiting from our partnership with Gatorade in Singapore. Our collaboration continues to set new standards in the sport, bringing their sports science expertise directly to the next generation of emerging female talent, and offering invaluable tools and knowledge that will benefit the drivers throughout their careers.”
The #60 car’s anniversary livery is designed to highlight Gatorade’s six decades of fuelling athletes, now extending its commitment to motorsport.
BREAKING: Lisa Billard is the Wild Card driver for Round 6.🇸🇬
— F1 Academy (@f1academy) October 1, 2025
Supported by Gatorade, Lisa will take on the Singapore streets as our youngest ever Wild Card driver.
Gatorade’s custom Wild Card livery will sport the number 60 to commemorate the brand’s 60th anniversary.⚡️… pic.twitter.com/hFThnaSS9W
Scientific support for performance
As part of its involvement, Gatorade has introduced scientific testing to help F1 Academy drivers optimise their preparation. During official testing, drivers underwent sweat analysis to identify individual hydration needs, giving them personalised insights to enhance performance and recovery. Parinya Kitjatananpan, GM Asia & ANZ Beverages at PepsiCo, reinforced the significance of this support:
“At Gatorade, we’re proud to celebrate our 60th anniversary by fuelling the future of motorsport with F1 Academy. Lisa Billard’s debut as the youngest-ever Wild Card driver reflects exactly why we’re here – to provide world-class sports science, hydration, and support to the next generation of female athletes. Together with F1 Academy, we’re committed to giving rising talent like Lisa the tools they need to perform at their best, today and for years to come.”
Wild Card initiative strengthens the talent pool
Introduced in 2024, the Wild Card initiative provides promising young drivers with a chance to showcase their talent on an international stage. Since then, the programme has already proved highly effective. For instance, four of the 2024 Wild Card drivers have progressed into full-time F1 Academy seats. Notably, Ella Lloyd – who debuted as the Singapore Wild Card last year – has now secured a permanent position in the championship.
Consequently, Billard, who recently completed the F1 Academy Rookie Test at Circuito de Navarra, follows in these footsteps, joining recent Wild Card representative Mathilda Paatz, who competed earlier this year with Gatorade’s support.
With her debut imminent, Billard will face the challenge of competing at one of the most demanding circuits on the calendar. Yet, with the backing of F1 Academy and the scientific expertise of Gatorade, the young French driver enters Singapore well supported in her pursuit of success.
