Ferrari has confirmed that Alba Larsen will return to F1 Academy for a third season in 2027, making the 17-year-old Dane the first driver to secure a place on next year’s grid. Larsen will continue representing the Italian manufacturer and remain part of the Scuderia Ferrari Driver Academy.
The announcement marks a significant milestone for both Larsen and the championship. Following a regulation change announced in November 2025, F1 Academy can now grant selected drivers permission to compete in a third consecutive season. Larsen becomes the first driver to benefit from the exemption, which aims to provide additional development opportunities for competitors who demonstrate considerable potential.
Her confirmation follows a breakthrough 2026 campaign, during which she secured her first two F1 Academy podiums at Zandvoort. With two rounds remaining, the MP Motorsport driver currently sits fourth in the Drivers’ Championship.
F1 Academy grants Larsen third season under new eligibility rules
F1 Academy traditionally limits its drivers to two seasons, encouraging competitors to progress through the motorsport ladder after gaining experience in the all-female championship.
However, the series announced changes to its eligibility regulations in November 2025, introducing a provision that allows selected drivers to compete for a third year from 2027.
The exemption applies exclusively to drivers who have completed the previous two seasons and whose performances indicate significant potential for further development.
Rather than automatically extending every driver’s eligibility, the championship will assess individual circumstances before granting an additional season. Furthermore, previous F1 Academy champions remain ineligible to return for another campaign.
The adjustment forms part of the championship’s wider efforts to strengthen its driver development programme and support young female racers as they progress towards higher categories.
Consequently, Larsen will have another opportunity to build on her experience after making her F1 Academy debut in 2025 and continuing with Ferrari’s support throughout the 2026 season.
Larsen’s breakthrough 2026 F1 Academy campaign strengthens Ferrari partnership
Larsen’s confirmation follows a significant improvement in her second F1 Academy campaign, particularly during the Dutch GP weekend at Zandvoort.
The Danish driver claimed back-to-back second-place finishes in the Reverse Grid Race and Feature Race, securing her first two podium finishes in the championship.
Her performances demonstrated considerable progress after a challenging start to 2026. Larsen entered the Dutch GP weekend outside the championship’s leading positions but converted her strong qualifying pace into two competitive race results.
In the Feature Race, she challenged championship leader Alisha Palmowski throughout the opening stages. Although she could not find a way past the Red Bull-backed driver, Larsen maintained second place to complete her strongest F1 Academy weekend.
The double podium propelled her into fourth in the 2026 Drivers’ Championship standings, where she currently holds 50 points.
Across the opening four rounds, Larsen has recorded six points-scoring finishes, including her two podium appearances.
Meanwhile, she has continued gaining valuable single-seater experience outside F1 Academy. The Dane returned to the British F4 Championship with Chris Dittmann Racing for selected rounds at Silverstone and Zandvoort.
Her British F4 programme also delivered an important milestone when she claimed a podium at Zandvoort in July. Larsen subsequently credited her additional track experience and preparation with helping her improve her F1 Academy performances.
Together, these results have strengthened her position within Ferrari’s junior development structure and provided a foundation for her third campaign in 2027.
From Tommy Hilfiger to Ferrari: Larsen’s F1 Academy journey
Larsen made her F1 Academy debut in 2025 with MP Motorsport, representing Tommy Hilfiger throughout her rookie campaign.
Despite entering the championship with limited single-seater experience, she established herself as a consistent points scorer. The Dane recorded ten top-ten finishes, including seven top-five results, before concluding the season seventh in the Drivers’ Championship with 70 points.
Although she narrowly missed the podium on several occasions, her performances highlighted her growing confidence and competitiveness.
Her development attracted Ferrari’s attention, and the Italian manufacturer confirmed her place in the Scuderia Ferrari Driver Academy during the 2025 season.
The partnership also represented another milestone in Larsen’s relationship with Ferrari, which began through the FIA Girls on Track – Rising Stars programme.
Larsen won the programme’s senior category in 2023, earning recognition from Ferrari before progressing into single-seater racing with appearances in Indian F4 in 2024.
She subsequently joined Ferrari’s F1 Academy driver line-up for 2026, replacing her Tommy Hilfiger-backed entry with the Italian manufacturer’s colours.
Despite experiencing mixed results during the opening rounds, Larsen has demonstrated improved race pace and consistency, culminating in her breakthrough weekend at Zandvoort.
Her 2025 rookie campaign provided the foundation for that improvement, while Ferrari’s decision to retain her for 2027 will give her another season to develop those skills.
Larsen delighted to continue with Ferrari in 2027
Following the announcement, Larsen expressed her appreciation for F1 Academy’s continued development and Ferrari’s support.
The 17-year-old highlighted the growth of the championship during her first two seasons, acknowledging the work of F1 Academy Managing Director Susie Wolff and the wider organisation.
She also emphasised the importance of the team and supporters who have contributed to her development throughout her time in the series.
Reflecting on the opportunity to continue representing Ferrari, Larsen said: “After two years in F1 ACADEMY, I’ve seen first-hand how much this series has grown and how important it’s become,” she said. “Susie and the team keep pushing it forward, the fans bring so much energy, and I’ve had an incredible team around me. I’ve grown a lot here too. I’m really proud to be part of it and can’t wait to be back on the grid with Scuderia Ferrari HP in 2027.”
Her comments reflect her enthusiasm for the additional opportunity, particularly after gaining valuable experience during her first two campaigns.
Ferrari’s decision also reinforces its commitment to Larsen’s long-term development, allowing the Dane to continue benefiting from the manufacturer’s junior programme while competing in F1 Academy.
Larsen targets strong conclusion to 2026 ahead of third F1 Academy season
Although Ferrari has already confirmed her future, Larsen still has two rounds remaining in the 2026 F1 Academy season.
The championship returns to action at the Circuit of The Americas in Austin from 23–25 October before concluding its fourth campaign in Las Vegas from 19–21 November.
Currently fourth in the standings, Larsen will aim to build on her Zandvoort performances and challenge for further podiums during the final two weekends.
Her strong showing in the Netherlands demonstrated her ability to compete against the championship’s leading drivers, although she continues searching for her maiden F1 Academy victory.
Meanwhile, her early confirmation for 2027 provides additional certainty as she plans the next stage of her career.
As the first driver to receive F1 Academy’s third-season exemption, Larsen will also become an early example of how the revised eligibility rules can support driver development.
With Ferrari continuing its backing and another campaign ahead, the Dane now has an opportunity to translate her growing experience into further results while preparing for the next steps in her single-seater career.
