F1 Academy drivers: What is the 2026 lineup?

The 2026 F1 Academy drivers are showcasing the abundance of female racing talent on the global motorsport stage.

A fresh wave of team line-ups and graduates from karting and the W Series has created a tightly contested grid. With several teams doubling down on their development programmes, who will emerge as this year’s breakout star?

2026 F1 Academy drivers

PREMA Racing – Mathilda Paatz , Payton Westcott and Seat TBA

Serial title contenders PREMA Racing once again field a line-up packed with potential for the 2026 F1 Academy season.

Mathilda Paatz steps into a full-season Aston Martin-supported seat after impressing in previous single-seater campaigns. The German racer has shown she can handle pressure situations – and with PREMA’s pedigree behind her, she has the tools to fight at the sharp end across the year.

Making history on the pathway to the grid, Payton Westcott graduates from the F1 Academy DISCOVER YOUR DRIVE programme into a full-time seat. The American proved she belongs at this level and now has the opportunity to build experience – and results – throughout the season.

With one seat still to be confirmed, PREMA remain a team to watch as the 2026 campaign unfolds.

DRIVER ANNOUNCEMENT

PREMA Racing announces Westcott for 2026 F1 Academy series

Race-winning American to represent Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team https://t.co/e8Chc7766s #PREMAnnouncement pic.twitter.com/A71vknkk5W
— PREMA (@PREMA_Team) February 9, 2026

Campos Racing – Megan Bruce and Two Seats TBA

Spanish outfit Campos Racing enter 2026 looking to build momentum with a refreshed line-up.

Megan Bruce joins the team with TAG Heuer backing as she embarks on her F1 Academy journey. Campos are known for nurturing talent, and Bruce will be aiming to grow into a consistent points contender as the season progresses.

Two seats remain open, meaning Campos’ final 2026 package is still evolving – something that could shape the competitive order as the year develops.

BREAKING: Megan Bruce will drive for @TAGHeuer for the 2026 F1 Academy season.

From taking part in the Rookie Test to making her debut appearance in the TAG Heuer car in Singapore last year, Megan now steps up to her first full season on the F1 Academy grid. We can't wait to… pic.twitter.com/AAnHcEEu7a
— F1 Academy (@f1academy) February 24, 2026

MP Motorsport – Nina Gademan , Alba Larsen and Esmee Kosterman

Dutch team MP Motorsport bring a strong blend of continuity and fresh ambition into 2026.

Nina Gademan begins a new chapter with the squad, carrying experience from previous campaigns into what could be a defining season. With proven pace and growing racecraft, she has the foundations to challenge consistently at the front.

Alba Larsen continues her progression in F1 Academy with Ferrari support. After establishing herself as a reliable finisher, the Danish driver is focused on converting that consistency into regular podium contention.

Joining them is Esmee Kosterman, who steps up from Wild Card appearances into a full-time drive. Racing on home soil at Zandvoort adds an extra layer of motivation for the Dutch driver as she gains experience across the calendar.

BREAKING

Nina Gademan will return to @AlpineF1Team for the 2026 F1 Academy season, racing the @OfficialMPteam-operated car.

With four podiums and one memorable win in her impressive rookie season, Nina will once again have her sights set on the top step in 2026. … pic.twitter.com/s4bc3xL6DU
— F1 Academy (@f1academy) January 14, 2026

Rodin Motorsport – Ella Lloyd , Ella Stevens and Emma Felbermayr

Rodin Motorsport head into the 2026 season with a line-up capable of mixing it throughout the field.

Ella Lloyd continues her F1 Academy journey with McLaren backing, building on previous experience to establish herself as a regular front-runner. Her familiarity with the car and championship format could prove valuable across the campaign.

Rookie Ella Stevens arrives with strong karting credentials and encouraging pre-season performances. As the season unfolds, her development curve will be one of the key stories to follow.

Completing the trio, Emma Felbermayr enters her second campaign with Audi support. Having already shown she can compete for top results, she’ll be looking to add further milestones to her record in 2026.

BREAKING: Emma Felbermayr will drive for Audi in the 2026 F1 Academy season, piloting the Rodin Motorsport operated car.

Emma has her eyes set on the top step once again after claiming a win in her rookie season. #F1ACADEMY pic.twitter.com/8nJE9EJmXC
— F1 Academy (@f1academy) February 5, 2026

ART Grand Prix – Lisa Billard , Jade Jacquet and Kaylee Countryman

French powerhouse ART Grand Prix field an exciting mix of youth and potential this season.

Lisa Billard begins her first full F1 Academy campaign after progressing through the French junior ranks. With a reputation for raw speed, she has the opportunity to establish herself as one of the breakout names of 2026.

Fellow French racer Jade Jacquet, supported by Williams, also makes her debut at this level. ART’s track record of developing talent makes this an ideal environment for her to grow across the year.

American driver Kaylee Countryman completes the line-up, representing Haas. Still early in her single-seater journey, she adds further international strength to the ART squad.

BREAKING

16 year-old French talent, Jade Jacquet joins @WilliamsRacing as their F1 Academy driver for 2026.

She will race the Williams Racing entry operated by @ARTGP, stepping into her second year in single seaters after a standout karting career across France and the… pic.twitter.com/B1uCPn13Y6
— F1 Academy (@f1academy) December 2, 2025

Hitech – Rachel Robertson , Ava Dobson and Wild Card Entry

British team Hitech continue their F1 Academy project with a developing and ambitious line-up.

Rachel Robertson moves into a full-season seat after impressing in previous appearances. Backed by Puma, she enters 2026 with valuable experience and clear upward momentum.

Ava Dobson steps into a full-time American Express-supported drive as she begins her rookie campaign, aiming to build confidence and consistency as the season progresses.

As with previous seasons, Hitech will also operate a rotating Wild Card entry – offering emerging regional talents the opportunity to compete on selected weekends.

BREAKING

Rachel Robertson will take on her rookie F1 Academy season with PUMA in 2026, piloting the Hitech-operated car.

The 18 year-old Scottish racer made her debut on the grid in the 2025 season finale in Las Vegas after impressing with a fifth place finish in the F1… pic.twitter.com/ggAaPyKJci
— F1 Academy (@f1academy) January 12, 2026

How does a F1 Academy race weekend work?

There are two races on a F1 academy race weekend, meaning a vast number of points are available for the drivers every time they get on the track.

Each weekend consists of:

Two 40-minute Free Practice sessions

One Qualifying session

Race 1 (max 30 mins)

Race 2 (max 30 mins)

How is the F1 Academy starting grid determined?

When competing in Qualifying, each driver’s fastest lap sets the grid for Race 2. Officials will set the grid for Race 1 by reversing the top eight drivers from Qualifying, while the drivers who qualified 9th to 18th will start in their original positions.

In Race 1, officials award points on a sliding scale – 10 for P1, then 8, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, and finally 1 point for P8.

In Race 2, the top 10 classified drivers will score 25, 18, 15, 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2 and 1 points respectively.

2026 F1 Academy Schedule

F1 Academy races take place over seven rounds of the season, supporting Formula 1 in the same way Formula 2 and Formula 3 do.

This gives the up-and-coming female racing talent the opportunity to showcase their skills in front of some of the biggest names in motorsport, with race timings also factored in so that Grand Prix ticket holders can enjoy the supporting action in addition to the headline F1 racing.

How to get F1 Academy Tickets

A ticket to an F1 race weekend grants you access to watch the whole F1 academy schedule for that particular weekend. This means that the only way you can cast your eyes over the best up and coming talent in female motorsport is by purchasing an F1 ticket.

Tickets for the majority of the remaining races of the 2026 F1 Academy season are now on sale, so now is the time to start planning your race weekend adventure.

To take a closer look at all of our ticketing options, click the button below

Official 2026 tickets

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