Nicole Havrda continues to develop her presence on the 2025 F1 Academy grid as she navigates her rookie season. Now racing for Hitech TGR with support from American Express, the Canadian driver is steadily turning her potential into tangible results. Across the first four rounds of the 2025 season, Havrda has faced a range of challenges. Nevertheless, she achieved a significant milestone on home soil in Montreal, scoring her first point in the championship. As she sits 16th in the standings with one point, her campaign so far reflects a balance of perseverance, learning, and slow but sure progress.
A tough opening in Shanghai
The 2025 F1 Academy season began on a difficult note for Havrda. At Shanghai, she retired from both Race 1 and Race 2, marking a double DNF that set a challenging tone. These retirements disrupted any early rhythm and denied her valuable track time. Despite the disappointment, she emerged from the weekend with a clear understanding of the fine margins that define success in the championship. Her technical feedback and attitude in the paddock also earned praise, showing a maturity beyond the race results.
Gaining ground in Jeddah
In Jeddah, Havrda demonstrated greater composure and finished both races, securing 15th and 16th places respectively. Although she remained outside the points, this marked her first full race distance of the season. Her clean driving and avoidance of incidents were particularly commendable on a street circuit as demanding as Jeddah. Moreover, she gained valuable experience in high-speed, low-margin conditions, where confidence and rhythm often dictate the outcome. Her consistency improved, and she began to build a stronger understanding of tyre management and car positioning.
Clearer progress in Miami
Moving into the 2025 F1 Academy Miami round, Havrda delivered a more convincing performance. In Race 1, she crossed the line in 12th, just two places short of the points-paying positions. Although Race 2 was cancelled due to adverse weather, she had already demonstrated encouraging pace on a drying track. Her improved qualifying performance allowed her to race closer to the midfield, where she held her own in wheel-to-wheel battles. This round underlined her development in both racecraft and confidence.
A home milestone in Montreal
Returning to home soil for Round 4, Havrda produced her strongest showing yet. In Race 1, she kept calm under pressure and capitalised on others’ errors to finish 10th, scoring her first-ever point in the series. The achievement was a significant moment, not only for her but also for Canadian motorsport fans supporting her progress. Although she retired in Race 2, she bounced back to finish 11th in Race 3, narrowly missing the points once again. Throughout the weekend, she demonstrated greater consistency, better starts, and stronger mid-race pace—critical attributes for future success.
Mid-season assessment
At the halfway point in the 2025 F1 Academy season, Havrda finds herself 16th in the championship with one point. While her results may appear modest, they reflect the trajectory of a driver building her foundation. Importantly, she has reduced errors, improved her ability to finish races, and gained the trust of her team with clear, composed feedback. In comparison to the early rounds, her recent form suggests she has grown in confidence and competitiveness.
The road ahead – unlocking more potential
Looking ahead, Havrda must now convert her progress into more regular points finishes. To do so, she will need to sharpen her qualifying performances, execute stronger starts, and hold position in busy midfield battles. Circuits like Zandvoort and Monza—where driver bravery and precision matter—may suit her evolving style. If she continues to build on her Montreal momentum, more points could be well within reach before season’s end.