F1 Academy: Construction of a future

Doriane Pin, F1 Academy Champion

As the 2025 F1 Academy season closed last weekend in Las Vegas, our third champion was crowned, contact was made, and points were scored. Unfortunately, we all know this means several talented drivers will have to depart the grid and move into the next step of their career.

Whether that being continued in single seater racing or moving into a different chapter of their life. All individual drivers presented their skills and potential throughout their two years at F1 Academy, and all have the ability to pursue greater achievements in motorsports. Like Tate Mcrae said, “One door closes the universe opens a new door”. However, we aren’t only saying farewell to the class of 2025; we welcome the new faces that will be joining the grid for the 2026 season. It’s their turn to develop their skills, prove their potential, and fight to the top of the ladder.

Our season ended with Doriane Pin topping the standings with 172 points after a long-awaited conclusion to the battle between Pin and Maya Weug for the title. Both drivers will be leaving and transitioning into the next chapter of the careers, and lives even. Other drivers joining them on their departure include Chloe Chambers, Tina Haussman, Lia Block and Aurelia Nobels. Not all drivers have announced their plans going into the future, however Lia Block revealed via Instagram that she will be returning to rallying in 2026, referring to it as her “First love”. In the video, she expressed her love and gratitude to Williams and the team behind F1 Academy, stating she “Wouldn’t have traded these two years for anything”.

All drivers pushed themselves and their cars to the maximum; it’s going to be exciting to see how they all go forward with their careers, to see their next steps. I don’t doubt that our championship winner, Doriane Pin, has plenty of opportunities in her pocket from different racing series and teams. Based on last year's talent, Abbi Pulling and Bianca Bustamante continued into the GB3 2025 season. Could we see this as the next step for the driver?

Not only is talent leaving, but it's also returning.  Ella Lloyd will continue her journey at F1 Academy with Mclaren in 2026, after her very successful rookie season. Concluding it with multiple podiums, a win and 4^th in the standings; she has set high expectations for herself going into the new season and pressure for the rest of the grid. However, the competition will be fierce as Alisha Palmowski, who won the opening race of the 2025 season, Nina Gademan, who finished 6^th in the standings and Alba Larsen. The 16-year-old Danish driver, Larsen, will be returning to the 2026 grid with Ferrari after spending her rookie year being supported by Tommy Hilfiger.

Let’s investigate the rookies of the 2026 season. Firstly, Mclaren have announced their second car, which will be Known as Mclaren Oxagon. The driver who will be joining Mclaren was announced as Ella Stevens. The 19-year-old topped the time sheets in September at the rookie test, adding to the competition. Her fast pace and consistency shown throughout the test proved why and how she will be joining us for the new season. The rookie test not only confirmed Stevens, but Jade Jaquet has also been announced as the new driver for Williams. The French driver also took part in the rookie test at Circuit de Navarra, ending as the 7^th fastest. Starting her career in only 2023 in international karting to joining F1 Academy this year presents her quick development of skill and efficiency, Aston Martin has also announced their driver for the F1 Academy 2026 season, Mathilda Paatz, the 17- year-old driver competed in Montreal as a wild card entry, it's going to be amazing to see how these rookies can develop their abilities and push themselves across these two years.

Not only do we have plenty of rookies joining, including 2 more; we also have Lego Racing joining the grid with rookie, Esme Kosterman. This event was announced at the last weekend of the season at Las Vegas with the rookie, Susie Wolff, Managing director of F1 Academy, Julia Goldin, the Chief product and marketing officer of Lego and designers. Esme Kosterman scored her seat after a memorable performance in her home race, Zandvoort, as a wild card entry; she finished 7^th in race 2 which gained her 6 points and 15th in the standings from one race.

Gatorade will also be joining the F1 Academy campaign with their 16-year-old rookie, Lisa Billard. Lisa also competed as a wild card in Singapore. The rookie didn’t come out with points from the weekend; however, she won herself a seat for the 2026 season.

Each year with F1 Academy it opens increasingly more opportunities for women in motorsport and sport in general. Their talent in shown and inspires many more females to pursue their goals and dreams. We welcome 2026 and the competition, the fast corners and chequered flags it will bring.

Written by: Emily G