The popularity and global reach of Formula 1 have increased rapidly in the last few years. As this rise continues, it is crucial that we also support the many feeder series that nurture the future stars of motorsport. Junior categories aim to prepare and funnel drivers into the elite levels of the racing world, particularly Formula 1. Still, F1 Academy stands out for the opportunity it provides.

Launched in 2023, F1 Academy is a single-seater racing series for women. Racing alongside select Formula 1 weekends, it is a spec-series (all the cars are the same) that races at the level of Formula 4. 18 regular drivers, plus a wild card every weekend, aged between 16 and 25, fight across seven rounds and 14 races for the title of F1 Academy Champion, and to have a seat in the next series. Marta García won in 2023, and Abbi Pulling was crowned in 2024. The 2025 season is ongoing, and the title fight remains undecided.

F1 Academy stands out for the opportunity it provides

In its own words, the series was founded to ‘develop and prepare female drivers to progress to higher levels of competition’. Its ultimate goal is to see a woman return to the Formula 1 Grid. Each F1 Academy driver is sponsored by either an F1 team or a global brand, such as Charlotte Tilbury. Many drivers are also part of driver academies, which further support their journey up the motorsport ladder. F1 Academy’s managing director is Susie Wolff, the last woman to reach Formula 1. She participated in practice sessions for Williams in 2014 and 2015. The last woman to actually participate in a race was Giovanna Amati for Brabham in 1992.

In light of its recent Netflix documentary, F1 Academy has received increasing scrutiny online. Like many other women-only series, it is criticised for separating racers. Some argue that separation does not prepare these young drivers; it actively hinders them. Therefore, F1 Academy as a series seems pointless. I disagree.

F1 Academy gives young, female drivers track time, and this is crucial. With 14 races and 15 test days throughout the year, drivers have valuable time to develop their skills. Because women statistically receive less track time than their male counterparts, a separate series dedicated to giving women the space to learn and practice is essential. F1 Academy also has subsidised entry and competition costs, making it far more accessible than other junior series in a notoriously expensive and exclusive sport.

Women statistically receive less track time than their male counterparts

To further contest the point that separation is a hindrance, many F1 Academy drivers compete in mixed junior series simultaneously. Ella Lloyd, who is McLaren’s F1 Academy driver, competes in British F4 alongside F1 Academy. The series does not shelter these racers; it is designed solely to help them further develop their skills. Furthermore, F1 Academy has imposed a hard 2-season limit on driver participation, encouraging them to enter other series. In fact, the winner of the F1 Academy Championship is given a fully funded seat in GB3.

Whilst extended track time and funding are great, the true brilliance of F1 Academy lies in its visibility. Sponsored by Formula 1 itself, F1 Academy receives significant media attention. Therefore, the drivers receive lots more attention, which can be used to gain sponsorship and funding for the following stages of their careers. Visibility is a powerful tool for young racers fighting to stay in motorsports. F1 Academy’s presence in the media is also an inspiration. Statistically, fewer girls enter karting (the first stage of the formula racing ladder) than boys. Therefore, when you get to Formula 1, where only 20 spots are available, the chance of seeing a woman there is slim.

F1 Academy’s presence in the media is also an inspiration

The visibility of F1 Academy encourages more girls to take an interest in karting and racing and provides role models they can look up to. Furthermore, F1 Academy has several programs, such as ‘F1 Academy Discover Your Drive Karting UK’, that aim to inform and encourage young girls to enter motorsports. The importance of F1 Academy in this regard cannot be understated. The series addresses all levels of the motorsport ladder and is actively trying to change the heavily male-dominated culture of motorsports. It supports current drivers and inspires the next generation simultaneously.

Given the series is only in its third season, we cannot say what the long-term impacts of F1 Academy will be. However, there are already so many positive changes that the series has brought about. I am excited to see how F1 Academy will develop in the years to come and how it will change the landscape for women in the world of formula racing and motorsports.

Image: Lukas Raich via Wikimedia Commons