If you're a Formula 1 fan, you've likely noticed that the grid has been missing something or rather, someone. For decades, women have been underrepresented in motorsport's top tiers. But that narrative is shifting, thanks to an exciting new initiative: F1 Academy.
Launched in 2023, F1 Academy is more than just another racing series. It's a powerful platform with a clear mission—to develop and promote young female drivers on the path to the highest levels of motorsport. And while the engines may be smaller than in F1, the ambitions are every bit as bold.
What Is F1 Academy?
F1 Academy is a women-only single-seater racing championship, created and backed by Formula 1. Its purpose? To prepare talented young women for the next level, whether that's Formula 3, Formula 2, or even F1 itself.
The series features identical Tatuus T421 chassis (used in F4), 165-horsepower engines, and a focus on driver development, fitness, media training, and technical education. It's a proving ground for future stars, where talent, not budget or politics, takes centre stage.
Susie Wolff: Leading F1 Academy Forward
Appointed as Managing Director of F1 Academy in 2023, Susie Wolff brings years of racing and leadership experience to the table. As a former Formula 1 test driver with Williams and former Team Principal of Venturi Formula E, she's long been a trailblazer for women in motorsport.
Now, Susie is using her platform to build a clear, supportive pathway for female drivers. Her mission? To create lasting change and make elite motorsport more accessible for women. As Wolff puts it, "F1 Academy is about creating the best structure to find and nurture female talent.”
Under her leadership, the series has gained global visibility, including a Netflix docuseries in 2025, showcasing the next generation of racing stars and the Academy's push for progress.
A Global Stage with Big Support
One of the most exciting aspects of the 2024 and 2025 seasons is that the F1 Academy now runs alongside Formula 1 races at iconic tracks like Monza, Silverstone, Spa, and Austin. That means more exposure, larger crowds, and real race weekend pressure—the perfect environment to nurture talent.
Even better? All 10 F1 teams now support the series. Each team sponsors a driver, offering branding, mentorship, and a direct link to the pinnacle of motorsport.
Meet the Future Stars
The F1 Academy Netflix show is already introducing us to names you'll want to remember. Talented drivers like Marta García, Abbi Pulling, and Léna Bühler are already making waves, showing that they've got the pace, racecraft, and determination to rise through the ranks.
In many ways, F1 Academy acts like a launchpad—not just onto bigger racing series, but into the broader world of motorsport careers, including engineering, media, and team management.
Why It Matters
Representation matters. When young girls and women see someone like them on the grid, they begin to believe it's possible. F1 Academy isn't about creating a shortcut—it's about removing the barriers that have unfairly kept talented women from advancing, introducing them into the world of open-wheel racing and allowing them to grow their skills.
This initiative is part of a larger shift in the racing world, one that's focused on diversity, accessibility, and long-term sustainability of the sport. And it's not just symbolic—it's competitive, it's professional, and it's already delivering results.
What's Next?
The 2025 season is bringing tighter competition, bigger audiences, and more eyes on the next generation of talent. As F1 Academy grows, so does its impact—and the dream of seeing a female driver back on the F1 grid is starting to feel a lot more real.
Whether you're a die-hard F1 fan or a casual motorsport watcher, F1 Academy is something worth watching and keeping an eye out for. It's fast. It's fresh. And it's changing the game—one lap at a time.
If you're eager to immerse yourself in the F1 world, you're in the perfect spot. Experience the thrill firsthand by getting into a genuine Jordan F1 Car and pushing it to the limit, just like the female drivers on the track. Alternatively, test your skills against the laws of physics (and your friends) in our advanced racing simulator experiences at the F1® Arcade.
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