F1 Academy announces a major expansion of its partnership with the global karting series Champions of the Future Academy (COTFA), extending its Discover Your Drive programme to support up to twenty-seven young female drivers in 2026. As part of this initiative, the governing team positions the move as a strategic investment in the foundation years of driver development — a phase where structured support, equal machinery, and consistent race mileage shape long-term potential. Organisers frame the partnership as a way to align grassroots performance with pathways into single-seaters.
Since the programme’s inception, COTFA has recorded a marked rise in female participation — from 5% in its inaugural year to an impressive 30% in 2025. According to organisers, that increase reflects the benefit of streamlined entry routes, predictable costs, and targeted talent identification. Together, these elements create a framework where aspiring drivers can progress confidently and sustainably.
New UAE and British programmes to expand global reach
Building on this momentum, COTFA has introduced two new national initiatives that complement its international championship and broaden access for emerging drivers. The first, the Champions of the Future Academy Program UAE, will run across 2025–2026 as a two-round national karting series. Meanwhile, the British Champions of the Future Academy Program will launch in 2026 and span four rounds. Both programmes will feature selected participants supported by F1 Academy Discover Your Drive.
Through these expansions, organisers say the regional ladders will reduce travel costs, increase race opportunities, and help young drivers remain visible to selectors throughout the season. Moreover, the initiatives aim to strengthen the bridge between local karting circuits and international competition, reinforcing F1 Academy’s growing global footprint.
Support expands across all levels
In addition to these developments, F1 Academy Discover Your Drive will continue to back nine drivers — three per age category — in the International Champions of the Future Academy Program. Furthermore, the programme will now extend support to up to nine drivers in each of the new national championships, once again distributed evenly across age groups.
All selected participants will compete in F1 Academy Discover Your Drive-branded karts and race suits, creating a unified visual identity across all series. To support this further, RGMMC — the motorsport event management company responsible for organising and promoting all COTFA initiatives — will contribute a 30% discount on entry fees for each supported driver. Programme leads describe this as a practical step that redirects more budget toward crucial areas such as coaching, travel, and testing.
Six drivers confirmed for UAE season opener
Ahead of the UAE programme’s highly anticipated debut, scheduled for 7–9 November 2025, selectors have confirmed six supported drivers. By finalising the roster early, organisers ensure that drivers have ample preparation time and can maintain continuity from the 2025 international campaign.
Minis (ages 8–11): Khloe McGill, Atiqa Mir*
Juniors (ages 11–14): Kalyani Pratheesh, Ilijana Ostojic
Seniors (ages 14–17): Vanesa Silkunaite*, Ella Hakkinen*
(Mir, Silkunaite, and Hakkinen are supported by F1 Academy Discover Your Drive in the 2025 Champions of the Future Academy Program.)
Looking ahead, entries for the British Champions of the Future Academy Program open at the end of October. Aspiring racers can apply via COTFA to be considered for support from F1 Academy Discover Your Drive.
Wolff sets performance-first tone
Reflecting on the expansion, F1 Academy Managing Director Susie Wolff delivers a performance-driven message that underlines the importance of fair competition. She emphasises that equal equipment and capped budgets serve as the foundation for genuine merit to emerge. According to Wolff, selectors expect supported drivers not only to participate but also to translate opportunity into tangible results and progression.
“It’s incredible to see how quickly the level of female talent in this championship has risen. With everyone on the same specification equipment and a capped budget, it gives us a real sense of who stands out on merit alone. Our supported drivers aren’t just competing – they’re winning races and showing they have potential talent to rise into F1 Academy and beyond. We’re now extending our support to up to twenty-seven drivers across the international and new UAE and British series – reinforcing our commitment to growing the talent pool.”
Geidel highlights measurable participation gains
Likewise, Champions of the Future President James Geidel places the partnership within a two-year context and points to quantifiable progress. He argues that the introduction of national series not only boosts participation but also brings the development ladder closer to families, local teams, and regional sponsors. As a result, the structure now supports talent on a truly global scale while maintaining a direct link to the international championship.
“It has been a great pleasure working alongside F1 Academy over the past two years. Together, we’ve made significant progress in increasing female participation, which now stands at an impressive 30%. With the launch of the Champions of the Future Academy Program and its national championships, we’re now able to support female talent from the grassroots level on a broader, global scale.”
Denver emphasises earlier identification and access
Adding to this perspective, F1 Academy Performance & Talent Development Manager Katie Denver focuses on the benefits of early engagement. She explains that regional racing not only increases accessibility but also creates more frequent opportunities for assessment and skill-building. In her view, the expansion marks a cultural and logistical shift toward inclusivity.
“The expansion of Champions of the Future Academy gives us a stronger platform to identify, support, and develop emerging talent from an earlier stage. The introduction of regional series in the UAE and UK marks a new chapter to make karting more accessible, competitive, and inclusive, especially for female talent.”
A stronger pipeline from karting to single-seaters
Taken together, these developments represent a comprehensive step forward for female motorsport. As a result, the expanded Discover Your Drive network now offers a transparent, merit-based route from national karting through the international COTFA platform and onward to F1 Academy. By maintaining consistency in branding, cost control, and access, stakeholders ensure that focus remains firmly on performance.
In the long term, the enhanced structure aims to deliver not only more opportunities but also a more sustainable pipeline for the next generation of female racers. As the initiative gains momentum, it positions F1 Academy and COTFA as key architects in shaping a fairer, faster, and more inclusive future for motorsport.
