American racer Payton Westcott will launch her rookie campaign in the 2026 F1 Academy season at the Chinese Grand Prix on 13–15 March, carrying a bold new look inspired by the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team challenger.
Her car mirrors the PETRONAS green flow line that defines the 2026 Mercedes-AMG F1 W17 E PERFORMANCE. A dynamic sweep of volt green runs from nose to rear, underlining motion and precision while reinforcing the team’s identity. Furthermore, the design blends the squad’s iconic silver with deep black and the signature volt green that marks rising talents within the Mercedes programme.
In addition, senior partner Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. continues its support, with Snapdragon branding featured prominently on the 2026 entry. The partnership reinforces a shared commitment to expanding opportunities for young female drivers in global motorsport.
Westcott’s car will also showcase branding from Microsoft, BetterUp and Unity, all of whom join the Mercedes-backed entry into the all-female championship.
Westcott on 2026 F1 Academy season with Mercedes: “The new season is here”
Westcott expressed her excitement as she prepares for her debut season:
“I am proud to reveal my car livery for the 2026 F1 Academy season. For me, seeing it all come together just makes it so much more real – the new season is here! I can’t wait to get on track and race. I am sure it is going to be a hit with the fans and I look forward to fighting to put the car at the front of the field.”
The 16-year-old arrives in F1 Academy with strong momentum after building consistent results and demonstrating rapid development in recent seasons. Thus, she now steps onto an international stage as the series continues its mission to prepare and elevate female drivers.
Bradley Lord, Team Representative of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team, said:
“The reveal of Payton’s F1 Academy livery is another milestone on the road to the 2026 season. We are excited to watch her racing in the colours of the Silver Arrows across the season and know she will represent Mercedes with the same determination, passion, and integrity as the wider team.
“We’re also proud to continue our F1 Academy journey with our long-term partner Snapdragon and to welcome BetterUp, Unity and Microsoft into the project. We all share the same goal of developing the next generation of female motorsport talent. It’s fantastic to have their support across such an important series; we look forward to enabling Payton’s progress and to her achieving the best possible results in the year ahead.”
The 2026 F1 Academy campaign will feature seven rounds alongside Formula 1 weekends, offering Westcott a global platform as she embarks on her first season in the championship.
