Aston Martin Signs 17-Year-Old Mathilda Paatz for 2026 F1 Academy Season
Aston Martin has welcomed 17-year-old German driver Mathilda Paatz into its Driver Academy, backing her for the 2026 F1 Academy season. Paatz, who recently impressed in French F4 and secured a wildcard F1 Academy entry, was chosen after a competitive evaluation at Mugello, where her speed, consistency, and maturity stood out. This move underscores Aston Martin's commitment to fostering young talent and enhancing female representation in motorsport, providing Paatz with a significant platform to develop her racing career.
Aston Martin has officially announced 17-year-old German driver Mathilda Paatz as the newest addition to its Driver Academy. The Silverstone-based Formula 1 team will support Paatz in the 2026 F1 Academy season, where she will compete in the all-female racing series adorned in Aston Martin livery.
Why it matters:
This announcement signifies Aston Martin's commitment to nurturing young talent within motorsport, particularly in the F1 Academy. Investing in emerging drivers like Paatz not only strengthens the pipeline for future racing stars but also boosts the visibility and development of female drivers in a male-dominated sport, aligning with F1 Academy's mission to create pathways to higher levels of racing.
The Details:
- Driver Selection: Paatz earned her spot after a rigorous four-driver evaluation program at Italy's challenging Mugello Circuit. Each driver was given a full day in an F4 car to demonstrate their capabilities.
- Performance Metrics: Nuno Pinto, Aston Martin Driver Academy racing director, stated that Paatz "not only emerged as the fastest driver, but also demonstrated consistency, maturity and a competitive spirit," making her a clear choice for both the F1 Academy seat and a place in the Aston Martin Aramco Driver Academy.
- Paatz's Background: She competed in the French Formula 4 Championship in 2024 and secured her first podium finish at the Red Bull Ring in F4 CEZ. She also made a wildcard appearance in the Montreal round of the F1 Academy season, backed by Gatorade.
- Driver's Enthusiasm: Paatz expressed immense pride and excitement, stating, "This is something I've worked incredibly hard for," and looks forward to the support from Aston Martin Aramco and PREMA Racing.
- Team Support: Jessica Hawkins, Aston Martin driver ambassador and head of F1 Academy, emphasized that the series is a "brilliant platform for developing and showcasing emerging talent," providing drivers with crucial support and visibility.
What's next:
Mathilda Paatz will now focus on preparing for her rookie season in the F1 Academy, which includes learning several new circuits. Her inclusion in the Aston Martin Driver Academy indicates a long-term development plan, with the team aiming to support her progression through the ranks. This move is expected to inspire more young women to pursue careers in motorsport and further solidify the F1 Academy's role as a critical stepping stone.