For 19-year-old Canadian driver Nicole Havrda, the 2025 F1 Academy race weekend in Montreal is not simply another round in the championship. Instead, it represents a deeply personal milestone. Representing British Columbia in the #2 Rodin Motorsport car, Havrda arrives at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve carrying both the weight of a difficult season and the energy of a passionate home crowd.
Although she is not racing in her immediate hometown, the symbolic significance of returning to the place where her motorsport ambitions were first inspired remains profound.
“Yes, being my home race, obviously very, very excited,” Havrda said while speaking to select media, including Pit Debrief ahead of the 2025 Canadian GP weekend. “Obviously, I live on the other side of Canada, so it’s a bit far to call a home race, but I’m just looking in. So, just super happy to be here and excited for the race weekend, especially with all the fans.”
Indeed, her excitement extends well beyond the geographic coincidence. Rather, the event marks an emotional full-circle moment.
“I remember, you know, watching Formula One here and, like, doing a track walk today and seeing all the grandstands where I was actually sitting, like, a while back and, like, going through that kind of surreal moment. So, just excited for the race weekend and everyone here.”
This transition—from observer to competitor—highlights the remarkable journey Havrda has undertaken. Despite her current position in the championship standings, her trajectory underscores her potential and tenacity.
Media, momentum, and making the most of track time
Although the Montreal weekend functions as a form of homecoming, it has proven to be anything but calm. Increased attention from local press, sponsors, and fans has resulted in a demanding schedule for the young Canadian.
“I think personally that has a lot for me because I have like a lot of media stuff being my home race, so like every evening I’m just like up super late just doing media and like stuff, so definitely super packed.”
Nevertheless, in spite of the logistical challenges, Havrda recognises the value of every moment spent behind the wheel. The structure of the Montreal F1 Academy round, in particular, provides a silver lining for Havrda.
“But also like if we really think about it, in Miami we had two Practices, and so it’s like kind of equals out having three Races and then one Practice here, so it kind of equals out there.”
Above all, her focus remains rooted in performance. Racing on Canadian soil offers a unique opportunity to display her abilities.
“But I’m honestly just excited to race, like the more track time, the better, and especially like at a home track, it’s super cool to have three races and to be able to, you know, show what I’m capable of and just go racing.”
Consequently, the three-race format in Montreal becomes more than a scheduling detail—it becomes a turning point for a season that has yet to yield results.
A rough start steels a rookie’s resolve
Havrda’s 2025 campaign has been filled with challenges. She currently sits 17th in the F1 Academy championship, with no points scored. Retirements in both Shanghai races, followed by finishes outside the top 10 in Jeddah and Miami, reflect the steep learning curve she continues to face.
“Yeah, and for me, for sure, the start of the year wasn’t really the greatest,” she reflected. “But especially like not having any kind of like driving in Formula Four cars from the start, like going from a Formula Regional car to a Formula 4 car has been kind of challenging, especially since it’s such a different driving style.”
“But yeah, just trying to get as much seat time as possible, like even I didn’t do a Winter Series. So just, you know, jumping straight into that four car for the first time was a lot.”
In addition, Havrda has had to contend with a team that is also new to the series. This factor compounds the developmental process both on and off track.
“But it’s just like getting that seat time and then just also getting used to it, especially with a team that’s new to the series. That’s also a lot because, you know, learning set up that all like the other teams already know. Like going to Miami, like the other teams already knew the exact setup and then the drivers already knew the tracks is a bit difficult.”
Havrda to “keep pushing” for the latter half of 2025
Despite these obstacles, Havrda maintains a constructive mindset ahead of the 2025 F1 Academy outing in Montreal, determined to learn and progress with each outing.
“But, you know, just learning together, you know, with a team and just like working on the car and just basically learning about everything as well as just like, you know, trying to perform, but also like give a lot of feedback about the car and all that kind of stuff.”
“So, yeah, it’s been a lot for the start of the year, but just like trying to keep pushing for the other half of the year and try to get some good results,” she concluded.
A technical track and tricky weather threaten the Montreal weekend
Though Havrda is eager to improve, the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve presents a unique set of challenges. Characterised by narrow chicanes, a tight hairpin, and fast straights, it demands precision, strategy, and adaptability.
“Yeah, I do think it’s a challenging track with like passing because there are definitely like a lot of chicanes. And obviously there’s that one hairpin, but I think it’s going to be super fun, especially with three races,” Havrda said when Pit Debrief asked what she expected from the weekend.
Moreover, Montreal is infamous for its unpredictable weather. This adds another variable to an already complex race weekend.
“And I think we kind of all know that it’s going to rain and always rains in Canada and in Montreal especially.”
Despite these challenges Havrda believes that F1 Academy can put on a good show in Montreal, as the 2025 season reaches its midpoint.
“So I think it’ll be quite entertaining to watch and eventful as well. So yeah, just honestly just learning the track is going to be one of the biggest things, like really quickly just getting on it.”
Although the challenge is substantial, Havrda views the situation as yet another opportunity for growth in her rookie campaign.
Racing at home and building the brand
In addition to the on-track action, Havrda is embracing the broader spotlight that comes with racing in Canada. The blend of fan support, media presence, and commercial backing elevates the profile of the weekend.
“I think it’s super cool like having home crowd as well as a lot of people showing up and then all the media behind it. Like the marketing is huge right now for like everything happening. Like there’s stuff from the F1 Academy side, AMeX side, as well as my personal side happening for like just marketing my name and brand and all that kind of stuff.”
Furthermore, there is a comfort in competing on home soil, particularly when compared with the logistical demands of international travel.
“So there’s definitely a lot going on. It’s a hectic weekend, but also driving in Canada is quite cool because I didn’t have to really travel far. I know like travelling to like China or just like Europe in general was a lot, especially with the time change. So now having no time change is quite nice.”
This round also offers a special milestone: Havrda’s first race in Montreal, paired with a personalised tribute to the occasion.
“But yeah, definitely driving and racing in Canada and Montreal is really, really cool. I’ve never actually driven here, which is quite surprising because we don’t have many tracks in Canada. But yeah, I’m super excited to be here, and especially having a custom helmet as well for my home race is pretty cool.”
Representing Canadian women in motorsport
One of the most powerful aspects of Havrda’s F1 Academy journey lies beyond the timing sheets. Her presence on the grid signifies growing support from both commercial entities and an evolving motorsport culture that seeks to empower women.
“I think it’s a huge thing, especially like working with such big brands. Like for me, I’m working with American Express. So like dealing with such professional people at such high levels, just it’s really good like experience and just cool to work with those kind of people.”
Through her partnership with American Express, Havrda is part of a broader push for representation, visibility, and opportunity within the sport.
“And I think it’s really cool from F1 Academy to have these kind of brands behind us and like support us. And, you know, all the women behind it, like I know American Express is pretty woman empowered. So it’s just cool to see that. And just really good to be, you know, associated with a brand like that. So just like F1 Academy is doing really good with that. And I find it really, you know, cool to work with such a huge brand.”
