F1 Academy Sets the Stage for 2026 Season with Rookie Test

The F1 Academy is already gearing up for the 2026 season by organizing a rookie test that aims to identify some of the brightest future talents in motorsport. Scheduled for September 17 and 18, this two-day event will take place at the Circuit de Navarra in Spain. A total of 18 female drivers, all eligible to compete in the upcoming season, will participate in this exciting opportunity.

Testing Format and Objectives

During the rookie test, all participants will race on the same track under identical conditions and using the same equipment. This approach ensures a fair assessment of each driver’s skills and potential, which will help in selecting candidates for either full-time positions or a spot in the Wild Card program for the 2026 season. This initiative reflects the F1 Academy’s commitment to nurturing talent and expanding opportunities for women in motorsport.

On the first day, drivers will undergo an immersive experience with the F1 Academy team. They will attend briefings and sessions with engineers, gaining valuable insights into the technical aspects of racing. Additionally, the drivers will participate in physical and cognitive evaluations conducted by More Than Equal, the official partner of the F1 Academy.

These assessments will offer detailed insights into the participants’ performance, focusing on key areas such as strength, cognition, and endurance. Furthermore, the evaluations will highlight individual growth areas, contributing to a more substantial evidence base regarding the drivers’ capabilities. This information is crucial for developing long-term strategies tailored to each competitor’s career progression.

The current roster of F1 Academy drivers will also participate in these evaluations, providing a comprehensive overview that can inform their training and development.

Day Two: Behind the Wheel

The second day of the event will see the 18 drivers, aged 15 to 21, take the wheel of an F1 Academy car. They will have a total of six hours of testing available throughout the day, allowing them to showcase their driving skills and adaptability on the track. This hands-on experience is invaluable, as it provides the young talents with a taste of what it’s like to compete in a professional racing environment.

Susie Wolff, the director of the F1 Academy, expressed her enthusiasm for the rookie test, stating, “This is a significant moment, not just for the F1 Academy as a category, but for our sport as a whole. Over the past three years, the global pool of female talent has become stronger and more competitive, and our priority is to ensure we have the best drivers possible competing in this category.”

She further emphasized the importance of the test, saying, “With this opportunity, we are providing 18 of the most promising talents a fair platform to prove they deserve a place in the F1 Academy grid.”

Meet the Rookie Drivers

The lineup for the rookie test features a diverse group of female drivers hailing from various countries. Here’s a look at the participants:

• Alexandra Herve – France, 19 years old
• Alexandra Vateva – Bulgaria, 21 years old
• Alexia Danielsson – Sweden, 16 years old
• Annabelle Brian – Netherlands, 17 years old
• Autumn Fisher – Canada, 17 years old
• Ella Stevens – United Kingdom, 18 years old
• Emma Scarbrough – United States, 17 years old
• Eva Dorrestijn – Netherlands, 16 years old
• Imogen Radburn – Australia, 19 years old
• Jade Jacquet – France, 15 years old
• Laura Bourguet – France, 20 years old
• Lisa Billard – France, 15 years old
• Megan Bruce – United Kingdom, 21 years old
• Michalina Sabaj – Poland, 21 years old
• Natalia Granada – Spain, 17 years old
• Rachel Robertson – Scotland, 18 years old
• Payton Westcott – United States, 16 years old
• Zoe Florescu Potolea – Romania, 16 years old

This array of talent showcases the potential for a new generation of female drivers to make their mark in the world of motorsport.

The Importance of the F1 Academy

The F1 Academy plays a crucial role in promoting gender diversity within the motorsport industry. By providing a platform exclusively for female drivers, it aims to inspire young women to pursue careers in racing, engineering, and other facets of motorsport. The initiative not only focuses on competitive racing but also emphasizes the importance of education and skill development in the sport.

The commitment to identifying and nurturing female talent is more important than ever, especially in an industry that has historically been male-dominated. The F1 Academy’s efforts are geared towards creating a more inclusive environment, where women can compete and thrive at the highest levels of motorsport.

Looking Ahead to 2026

As the F1 Academy prepares for the upcoming season, the rookie test represents a pivotal step in shaping the future of female drivers in motorsport. By fostering a competitive landscape and providing opportunities for young talents, the F1 Academy is setting the stage for a more diverse and exciting future in Formula 1.

The focus on evaluating drivers’ performances through rigorous assessments will not only benefit the participants but also elevate the overall quality of competition within the academy. As the sport evolves, the F1 Academy stands at the forefront of this change, advocating for the next generation of female racing stars.

In conclusion, the F1 Academy’s commitment to nurturing female talent through initiatives like the rookie test is a significant stride toward a more inclusive motorsport landscape. As these young drivers prepare to showcase their skills, the excitement surrounding the 2026 season continues to build, promising a thrilling future for women in racing.