F1 Teams Recommit to F1 Academy in Multi-Year Deal, Driver Funding and Season Limits Updated
All ten F1 teams have recommitted to the F1 Academy in a multi-year agreement, bolstering the series' future. Driver funding requirements have been reduced to *100,000, and a new rule allows high-potential drivers to compete for a third season. This long-term commitment, along with new sponsors like Cadillac for 2027, aims to solidify the pathway for women in motorsport, nurturing the next generation of talent with enhanced support and accessibility.
All ten Formula 1 teams have reaffirmed their commitment to the all-female F1 Academy series with a new multi-year agreement. This extension solidifies the series' foundation, ensuring continued support from the pinnacle of motorsport and introducing updated regulations regarding driver funding and eligibility.
Why it matters:
F1 Academy is a crucial pathway for aspiring female drivers, and the long-term commitment from all F1 teams signifies a robust investment in the future of women in motorsport. This stability ensures the series can continue to develop talent and potentially feed the pipeline for higher categories, ultimately aiming to see a woman driver compete in Formula 1.
The Details:
- Team Sponsorship: From the 2024 season onwards, all ten F1 teams have sponsored one livery and driver each year. This initiative ensures prominent branding and financial backing for a significant portion of the grid.
- Driver Funding: Drivers are now required to bring
*100,000 (US$116,000) in funding, a reduction from the previous
*150,000 (US$175,000). This aims to make participation more accessible.
- Commercial Partners: Beyond the F1 teams, commercial partners such as Charlotte Tilbury, Tommy Hilfiger, and American Express support the remaining five cars on the 15-car grid.
- New Sponsors: Cadillac, set to join the F1 grid, will become an F1 Academy sponsor from 2027. Gatorade has already committed to sponsoring an entry for 2026.
- Revised Driver Eligibility: The regulations now allow drivers who have competed in two previous seasons to apply for an exemption to race for a third season. This opportunity is granted "exclusively to drivers whose performance indicates strong potential for continued growth."
What's next:
Susie Wolff, managing director of F1 Academy, emphasized that this extended commitment and the revised regulations are not just about the current generation but about "building a pathway to support generations of talent to come." The focus on individualized talent development, including the potential for a third season, aims to give high-potential drivers the necessary support and platform to fully realize their potential, ensuring the F1 Academy grid consistently features top female talent. With continued F1 team backing and strategic adjustments, the series is poised to strengthen its role in nurturing future motorsport stars.