F1 Academy Secures Long-Term Future with F1 Teams and Cadillac Support

Formula 1 has announced a multi-year extension of its partnership with F1 Academy, confirming all 10 F1 teams will continue their backing of the all-female feeder series. This commitment, coupled with new regulation changes and the impending arrival of Cadillac in 2027, signals a significant stride in bolstering female talent in motorsport.

Why it matters:

After years of inconsistent pathways for female drivers, F1's renewed and expanded commitment to F1 Academy provides a stable, long-term platform crucial for developing future talent. This ensures that a pipeline of skilled female drivers can progress through the motorsport ranks, potentially reaching higher feeder series and even Formula 1 itself, addressing a historical gender imbalance in the sport.

The Details:

• Continued F1 Team Support: All 10 existing Formula 1 teams will continue to financially sponsor an F1 Academy driver and integrate their liveries, with some drivers also joining F1 junior academies.
• Cadillac Joins the Grid: With Cadillac's entry into Formula 1 in 2027, the F1 Academy grid will expand, benefiting from two additional drivers and increased sponsorship, further solidifying the series' resources.
• Regulation Changes: The series will now permit certain high-potential drivers to compete for a third season, extending the previous two-season cap. This allows for more comprehensive talent development for stand-out performers.
• Focus on Talent Development: F1 Academy Managing Director Susie Wolff emphasized the sharpened focus on individualized talent development, aiming to provide strong support and a platform for drivers to reach their full potential, while ensuring the grid features top female talent.
• Evolution from W Series: F1 Academy effectively succeeded the W Series, which faced financial difficulties. Unlike its predecessor, F1 Academy is strategically positioned as a developmental series for drivers aged 16-25, using Formula 4-based chassis, and is not intended to directly compete with F2 or F3.
• Increased Visibility and Funding: After initial struggles with broadcast in its first season, F1 Academy is now a support series for Formula 1 races, allowing live viewing for fans. Formula 1 has also committed significant funding, approximately €2.25 million, to support the series.

What's next:

The long-term commitment from Formula 1 teams and the forthcoming integration of Cadillac are pivotal for the F1 Academy's sustained growth. The increased flexibility with the three-season rule will allow for more tailored development plans for promising drivers, ensuring they get the maximum opportunity to hone their skills. As the series heads into its fourth season, with the current title fight concluding at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, the focus remains on nurturing the next generation of female motorsport stars, solidifying their pathway to the pinnacle of racing.