F1 Teams Reaffirm Commitment to F1 Academy, Cadillac Joins in 2027

Formula 1's ten current teams have renewed their sponsorship of the F1 Academy, the all-female racing series, in a multi-year agreement. This commitment ensures each team will continue to support a driver and livery in the series. Additionally, Cadillac, set to enter Formula 1 in 2026, will join the F1 Academy grid as a benefactor from 2027, further bolstering the series' future.

Why it matters:

The renewed commitment from all F1 teams and the arrival of Cadillac signal a strong, long-term investment in developing female talent in motorsport. This extended support is crucial for building a sustainable pipeline for women drivers, aiming to eventually integrate them into higher echelons of racing, including Formula 1 itself.

The details:

• Long-term Commitment: All ten current Formula 1 teams have signed multi-year agreements to continue sponsoring drivers and liveries in the F1 Academy.
• New Benefactor: Cadillac will join the F1 Academy as a benefactor starting in 2027, ahead of its Formula 1 entry in 2026.
• Talent Development Focus: New regulations from 2027 will allow high-potential drivers to compete for a third season, offering more individualized talent development.
• Increased Exposure: Since its 2023 launch, F1 Academy races are broadcast in over 170 global territories. A seven-part Netflix documentary, "F1: The Academy," has further boosted its profile, with its cumulative social audience reaching 1.38 million across platforms.

The big picture:

Despite significant growth and increased visibility, the F1 Academy faces a critical challenge: transitioning drivers to higher tiers like Formula 3 or Formula 2. So far, no F1 Academy participant has secured a seat in a more advanced racing category. This gap raises questions about the series' effectiveness as a true stepping stone, rather than just a showcase, and highlights the ongoing scarcity of opportunities for women in upper motorsport categories.

What's next:

F1 Academy Managing Director Susie Wolff emphasized the series' mission to build a pathway for future generations of talent. While challenges remain in bridging the gap to higher motorsport tiers, the renewed commitment from F1 teams and Cadillac's involvement positions the F1 Academy for continued growth and influence. The success of its enhanced talent development focus and new regulations from 2027 will be key in determining its ability to fulfill its ultimate goal of seeing female drivers progress to Formula 1.