18 year-old Canadian driver Autumn Fisher is set to join the 2026 F1 Academy grid as a Wild Card entry for the second round in Montreal. After successfully taking part in the series’ inaugural rookie test last year, Fisher will make her F1 Academy race weekend debut at her home event next week with the backing of the series’ new official partner, Standard Chartered.
In 2026, she commits to a full-time campaign in French F4 as she continues to build experience in single-seater racing. The Canadian driver also recently made her British F4 debut and scored points in just her second weekend ever in single-seaters.
Ahead of her official F1 Academy debut, the 18 year-old said: “I’m incredibly excited to be joining the F1 ACADEMY grid in Montreal. This is a huge moment for me, and I’m grateful to F1 ACADEMY and Standard Chartered for the opportunity. I can’t wait to get on track and make the most of the weekend.
Supporting talent with Standard Chartered
The Wild Card entry initiative was first introduced in 2024 and has since proven to be a valuable pathway for drivers to showcase their speed and talent in pursuit of a future full-time seat. Since then, former Wild Card entries have successfully returned to the grid.
Ahead of Fisher’s debut, Managing Director of F1 Academy Susie Wolff said: “We were proud to welcome Standard Chartered to F1 ACADEMY earlier this year, and their support of our Wild Card entry in Montreal shows that commitment in action. Creating opportunities that expand the pathway is at the heart of what we are building, and partnerships like this help turn ambition into access. The Wild Card initiative exists to give emerging talent the platform to step up, and we look forward to seeing Autumn make the most of her debut weekend on the F1 ACADEMY stage.”
Alongside Wolff, Chief Strategy and Talent Officer at Standard Chartered Tanuj Kapilashrami added: “We’re incredibly proud to support Autumn as the Standard Chartered Wild Card for Montreal, leveraging our global brand to champion female talent in motorsport through F1 ACADEMY. When we invest in women and girls through sport, we’re reshaping what leadership, performance and possibility look like for the next generation. Now is her time! I look forward to joining my Standard Chartered colleagues globally in cheering her on.”
