The Aston Martin F1 Team has announced that Mathilda Paatz will race for PREMA Racing in the 2026 F1 Academy season. Paatz made her first F1 Academy appearance in Canada this year as the Wild Card entry. The 17-year-old held previous experience in the French F4 and F4 CEZ Championships.
During her Wild Card round in Montreal, a tough Qualifying saw her starting from the rear of the grid. The German’s race was looking strong, until she lost it into the Wall of Champions. Race 2 saw a P11 finish, while Race 2 proved tricky, resulting in a DNF.
“I can’t wait to get racing!”
Speaking on her new position with Aston Martin F1 Team and PREMA Racing, Paatz stated:
“I’m really proud to be representing Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team in F1 ACADEMY next year. This is something I’ve worked incredibly hard for and my focus now is on preparing for the season ahead.
“There will be lots to learn, including several new circuits, but I feel confident knowing I have so much support from Aston Martin Aramco and PREMA Racing. I had a great first day at the AMRTC in Silverstone meeting so many incredible people from the Aston Martin Aramco team. I immediately felt at home and everybody was very welcoming, I couldn’t be happier and I can’t wait to get racing!”
Thoughts from Aston Martin
Jessica Hawkins, the Driver Ambassador and Head of F1 Academy at Aston Martin F1 Team shared her thoughts on Paatz’s move to F1 Academy in 2026. “I’m really pleased to be welcoming Mathilda to our team,” she said. “F1 ACADEMY continues to be such a brilliant platform for developing and showcasing emerging talent, offering young drivers the support and visibility they need to grow.
“The amazing drivers competing in the series are not only shaping the future of the sport but also inspiring the next generation of female racers, showing what’s possible when passion is encouraged and supported. We’re excited to begin our journey with Mathilda and we wish Tina [Hausmann] all the best in the next chapter of her career.”
Nuno Pinto, Racing Director at Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team Driver Academy commented on the F1 Academy 2026 selection of Paatz. She also shared insight into the selection process.
“In partnership with PREMA Racing, we conducted a comprehensive evaluation of four drivers before selecting who would represent Aston Martin Aramco in the 2026 F1 ACADEMY series. To ensure a rigorous and fair assessment, we held a shootout at the demanding Mugello circuit, giving each driver a day in an F4 car to showcase their capabilities.
“Mathilda not only emerged as the fastest driver, but also demonstrated consistency, maturity and a competitive spirit. Her performance was strong enough not just to secure the F1 ACADEMY seat, but also to earn herself a place in the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team™ Driver Academy. We are delighted to welcome her as both our F1 ACADEMY driver and a member of our development programme, and we look forward to supporting her throughout this exciting next step in her career.”
