Looking ahead to the F1 Academy 2026 season, Haas F1 Team announced Kaylee Countryman as their driver. The 15-year-old racer will compete with the support of the American team as part of ART Grand Prix‘s line-up. While being one of the youngest drivers to take part in the F1 Academy, Countryman brings fresh excitement to a competitive grid.
A new face for the 2026 season
Competing in the fourth season of F1 Academy, Kaylee Countryman will get the honour of representing one of the Formula 1 teams, as well as her home country. The announcement came after Haas followed Countryman’s progress and potential throughout her debut at the F1 Academy Navarra Collective Test.
Furthermore, the almost 16-year-old is set to race in 7 rounds next year, starting in March in Shanghai, China. Her career began when she turned 12, starting out in the LO206 J2 class at the Phoenix Kart Racing Association (PKRA) in Glendale, Arizona. Learning all that she could from a four-stroke Briggs & Stratton-powered kart, Countryman’s first year in karting already showed results.
After a second-place finish at a national karting event in California and multiple podiums at her home track, the American upgraded to a two-stroke platform. Joining the J3 Competition in 2023, the new Haas driver went on to perform as a factory driver for CompKart.
Nevertheless, the ambitious 15-year-old did not stop there. Taking on a great challenge as one of the only three female drivers in the 2025 USF Junior Season, Countryman managed to perform in the high-pressure environment. After her standout performance in the 2025 F1 Academy Navarra Collective Test, Kaylee Countryman caught the attention of the Haas F1 Team.
Representing her country
Driving in the F1 Academy series is one of the first steps for female racing drivers looking to compete at the highest levels. Earning the support of a Formula 1 team in her debut year showcases the skill and potential of the American. Set to begin her F1 Academy journey with Haas in 2026, Kaylee Countryman was ecstatic to share the details of the new step in her motorsport career:
“I’m so thrilled that I’ve been given this opportunity to represent Haas F1 Team and ART Grand Prix in the F1 Academy for 2026. I look forward to taking another step in my career and learning to work in such a professional environment.
“I’m particularly excited about the various circuits we’ll be visiting around the world and being part of all that F1 Academy represents. I enjoyed a productive test with ART Grand Prix, and I’m keen to build on that foundation as we go racing in 2026.”
Team support from Haas
This opportunity will prove detrimental for Countryman. However, the most important aspect of success is the support someone gets along the way. Ayao Komatsu, the Team Principal of Haas F1 Team, gave a warm welcome statement for Kaylee Countryman in light of the announcement:
“We’re delighted to welcome Kaylee Countryman into the team to represent us in F1 Academy from next season. Her personality and passion for this sport are contagious, and we want to ensure she has everything she needs to flourish in F1 Academy. Whether that be access to our resources and personnel, or simply advice and guidance.
“I believe together, we’ll achieve great some exciting things on-track. I’m delighted Kaylee’s joined us, and we look forward to seeing her development as a driver in F1 Academy.”
In the extra time between F1 Academy rounds, Countryman will continue her collaboration with Exclusive Autosport. The 15-year-old with incredible ambition will compete in the North American-based USF2000 Championship.
