The F1 Academy is a groundbreaking all-female single-seater motor racing championship launched by Formula 1 in 2022, with its inaugural season in 2023. This initiative aims to develop and prepare young female drivers to progress to higher levels of motorsport, such as Formula 3, Formula 2, and ultimately, Formula 1. Susie Wolff, former Williams F1 development driver and Venturi Formula E team principal, was appointed as the Managing Director of the F1 Academy, bringing her extensive experience and passion for promoting women in racing.
History and Background
The creation of the F1 Academy addressed a critical need within motorsport – increasing female representation. While there have been previous attempts to establish all-female racing series, such as Formula Woman (2004-2006) and the W Series (2019-2022), the F1 Academy benefits from the direct support and infrastructure of Formula 1. The W Series, despite its good intentions, faced financial difficulties that led to its premature end, highlighting the importance of strong backing, which the F1 Academy now possesses.
Formula 1 committed an initial €2.25 million to fund the project, demonstrating the seriousness of their commitment to this cause. In 2024, a significant step was taken with a rule mandating all ten Formula 1 teams to nominate and support one driver each in the F1 Academy, providing their own team livery for that car. This not only offers crucial financial support but also integrates these young talents more closely with the F1 ecosystem. The remaining five drivers are supported by other racing teams and partners of the series.
The F1 Academy utilizes Formula 4 specification cars, specifically the Tatuus T421 chassis, powered by a 174-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine from Autotecnica Motori. Pirelli provides the tires, ensuring a level playing field as it is a spec series where all teams compete with identical equipment.
The race format has evolved slightly since the inaugural season. In 2023, each of the seven race weekends featured three races. For the 2025 season, the format was adjusted, with the first race of the weekend becoming a reverse grid race, aligning it more closely with Formula 2 and Formula 3 formats and providing more overtaking opportunities. All F1 Academy race weekends in 2024 and 2025 take place in support of Formula 1 Grands Prix, increasing the series’ visibility and providing invaluable experience for the drivers racing on the same prestigious circuits.
Net Worth and Financial Aspects
It is important to clarify that the F1 Academy itself is not an individual or a company with a personal “net worth.” Instead, it is a racing series funded and supported by Formula 1. Formula 1, owned by Liberty Media, is a multi-billion dollar enterprise. While the exact budget allocated to the F1 Academy is not publicly disclosed as a separate entity’s net worth, the significant financial backing from F1 demonstrates a strong commitment to the series’ success.
In the initial 2023 season, drivers were required to contribute €150,000 towards their participation, with F1 matching this amount per driver. This contribution was reduced to €100,000 for the 2024 season. The involvement of Formula 1 teams from 2024 onwards further alleviates the financial burden for the ten nominated drivers, as these teams typically cover the costs. The remaining drivers rely on support from other racing teams and sponsors.
Winning the F1 Academy can significantly boost a driver’s career. For example, the 2024 champion, Abbi Pulling, received a fully funded seat in the GB3 Championship for the 2025 season with Rodin Motorsport, showcasing the tangible rewards for success in the series. Additionally, the GB4 Championship has offered prize funds to leading female contenders to encourage participation in F1 Academy, indicating the growing recognition of the series’ importance in developing female talent.
How Hard Is It to Get Into F1 Academy?
Getting into the F1 Academy is undoubtedly challenging, requiring a combination of talent, experience, and financial backing. Here’s a breakdown of the key factors:
- Racing License and Age: Drivers must be female and hold an FIA International Circuit Licence of Grade B, C, or D. They must be at least 16 years old and no older than 25 when entering their first race of the season. Drivers can only compete in a maximum of two seasons in the F1 Academy.
- Prior Racing Experience: While the F1 Academy aims to bridge the gap from karting to higher formula, drivers typically need prior experience in junior categories such as karting and potentially Formula 4 or other similar series to be competitive and considered for a place.
- Talent and Performance: Demonstrating exceptional driving skills, consistency, and racecraft in previous championships is crucial. Driver academies and teams scout for talent based on speed, adaptability, and mental resilience. A strong racing CV showcasing consistent wins and strong performances is essential.
- Financial Support: While the financial burden has been partially eased with F1 team involvement, securing funding or being selected by a well-supported team remains a significant hurdle for many aspiring drivers. Sponsorship plays a vital role in advancing through the motorsport ladder.
- Limited Seats: With only 15 full-time seats available (10 nominated by F1 teams and 5 by other teams), competition for a place in the F1 Academy is fierce.
The Pathway
Aspiring F1 Academy drivers typically start with karting at a young age (around 6-7 years old). Progressing through regional and national karting championships is the first step. Successful kart racers may then move into Formula 4 or similar junior single-seater categories to gain experience with formula cars. Strong performances in these feeder series increase the chances of being noticed by F1 Academy teams or F1 teams looking to support a driver.
The Role of Driver Academies
Many Formula 1 teams have their own driver academies that scout and nurture young talent. While not all F1 Academy drivers are part of these formal academies, affiliation with such a program can provide crucial support and opportunities.
The F1 Academy represents a significant step forward in promoting female participation in motorsport. Backed by Formula 1 and featuring competitive racing in Formula 4 machinery, it provides a vital platform for talented young women to develop their skills and progress towards the highest levels of racing. While getting into the series is challenging, the increasing support and visibility offer a promising future for female drivers aspiring to reach Formula 1.