In a major move that underscores the sport’s growing commitment to female drivers, F1 Academy and Formula 1 have confirmed a groundbreaking, multi-year partnership. Under this agreement, all 10 current Formula 1 teams will sponsor one driver each in the all-female racing series, further strengthening F1’s efforts to foster female talent in motorsport.
A new era for female motorsport talent
This new partnership marks a pivotal moment for F1 Academy, which launched in 2023 as a Formula 4–level championship aimed at supporting young female drivers. With every Formula 1 team fully backing the series, it will provide more opportunities for women in motorsport at the grassroots level, developing a pipeline to the top echelons of the sport.
As part of the deal, Cadillac Formula 1 Team, set to join the F1 grid in 2026, has also pledged to join the F1 Academy grid as a sponsor from 2027. This addition further signals the growing influence and global appeal of the series.
Commitment to talent development
The new agreement not only provides financial and logistical support to F1 Academy’s drivers, but also ensures a deeper focus on talent development. Starting in 2027, drivers who compete in two previous seasons can receive an exemption to race in a third if their performance shows potential for further growth.
This new provision highlights the series’ commitment to nurturing long-term talent, offering female drivers the opportunity to continue their development if they show promise, providing a much-needed platform for those on the cusp of breaking into higher levels of competition.
The growing influence of F1 Academy
Since its inception, F1 Academy has seen rapid growth, both in terms of its global visibility and competitive depth. The championship’s platform now reaches over 170 territories, with a cumulative social media audience of 1.38 million across platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, X, and TikTok.
In addition, Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine produced a seven-part documentary series, F1: The Academy, which showcases the drivers’ stories and their journey through the series. Now available on Netflix, the documentary is helping to further raise the profile of the championship.
Susie Wolff’s vision for the future
Susie Wolff, Managing Director of F1 Academy, expressed her excitement about the partnership and the future of the series.
“The commitment of long-term support from all ten current Formula 1 teams, and the addition of Cadillac to our grid from 2027, sends a powerful message about the future of F1 Academy. We’re not just providing a platform for the current generation of female drivers; together, we’re building a pathway to support generations of talent to come.
“We continue to be impressed by the depth of female talent coming out of the world of karting and are encouraged by the growth and strength of the emerging talent pool. A sharpened focus on individualised talent development, including the opportunity for drivers with high potential to compete in up to three seasons, will give stand-out drivers the support and platform needed to fully realise their potential, while ensuring that the F1 Academy grid consistently features the very best female talent.”
Wolff’s comments reflect the series’ holistic approach, combining on-track experience with off-track development, mentorship, and fitness training to equip drivers for the challenges of advancing through the motorsport ranks.
A strong future for female drivers in motorsport
Since its establishment, F1 Academy has rapidly become a recognised force in the motorsport world, providing a platform for emerging female drivers. With the continued backing of Formula 1 teams, and the expansion of partnerships like that with Cadillac, the future of female participation in motorsport looks brighter than ever.
As the series grows, it is clear that F1 Academy is not just about providing an opportunity for the current crop of female drivers, but about building a sustainable pathway for future generations, ensuring that women can rise through the ranks and ultimately make their mark in Formula 1.
