F1 Academy Secures Multi-Year Partnership with All F1 Teams

Formula 1 has announced a 'landmark agreement' with F1 Academy, confirming that all ten current F1 teams have committed to a multi-year partnership with the all-female racing series. This commitment ensures that every F1 team will continue to sponsor a car livery and driver within F1 Academy for the foreseeable future, bolstering the development pathway for female talent in motorsport. Additionally, Cadillac, set to join F1 in 2026, will extend its support to F1 Academy as a sponsor starting in 2027.

Why it matters:

This long-term commitment from F1 teams and future entrants like Cadillac signifies a major step forward for F1 Academy. It solidifies the series' position as a crucial platform for nurturing female talent and provides much-needed stability and resources. This ensures a more robust and sustainable pathway for aspiring female drivers to reach the highest levels of motorsport, directly addressing historical gender imbalances within the sport.

The Details:

• Universal Team Sponsorship: All ten current Formula 1 teams have pledged multi-year partnerships, guaranteeing that each F1 Academy car will be supported by an F1 team, including a sponsored livery and driver.
• Cadillac's Entry: Cadillac, slated to join the F1 grid in 2026, will expand its involvement to F1 Academy by becoming a sponsor in 2027.
• Rule Change for Driver Eligibility: A significant rule amendment now allows drivers who have competed in two previous seasons to apply for an exemption to race for a third season in F1 Academy. This exemption is granted "exclusively to drivers whose performance indicates strong potential for continued growth," in line with updated 2027 regulations.
• Focus on Talent Development: The series aims to provide individualized talent development, giving high-potential drivers more time to hone their skills and fully realize their potential while ensuring the grid consistently features top female talent.

What's next:

Susie Wolff, Managing Director of F1 Academy, emphasized that this agreement not only supports the current generation but also builds a pathway for future talent. The revised eligibility rules aim to provide a more tailored development trajectory for promising drivers, allowing them to maximize their growth within the series. As the world of karting continues to produce a deep pool of female talent, F1 Academy, with this reinforced support, is poised to strengthen its role in shaping the future of women in motorsport, ensuring a continuous flow of skilled drivers toward higher echelons of racing.