F1 Academy: Rookies On Track

F1 Academy

As we move through the 2025 season, each race totals up to the finale. But once the years over and we have our champion, what should we expect for next year?

Well, we all know that a driver in F1 academy has a limit of 2 years to exceed and prove talent, skill and potential. This means a collection of drivers will depart from the grid and begin to excel either in another series or their next chosen journey. Leaving the grid with multiple empty seats that need fulfilling, the rookie test of Circuito de Navarra gave the opportunity to many eager drivers to show us a glimpse into the future.

18 drivers. Equal equipment, engines and opportunities. The rookie test of Circuito de Navarra, Spain, took place on the 17^th and 18^th of September. It was the first rookie test of the series and was taken alongside official testing. Opening up chances for drivers who compete in other series to transition into single seaters, earn a wild card entry or even a full-time seat with a team in the future. They are all as significant as each other; proved by Zandvoort's sneak attack from wild card, Esmee Kosterman.

Kosterman had an amazing time in Zandvoort, as she described it as “The best weekend” of her life. The wild card ended her weekend in P6 in race 2, making her the only wild card entry to win points this season. Proving any opportunity for a driver holds a lot of potential.

Now it's not all behind the wheel. Drivers were introduced to F1 academy teams, observing the talent of the team behind the car with briefing and engineering sessions. The day also included assessments delivered by ‘More than equal’, who are the official driver performance and research partner. Sessions covered both cognitive and physical research, providing drivers with understanding of their own performance, and awareness for areas of growth. Understanding your skill and weaknesses as vital as understanding the car.

So, how did the rookies do and who was the star of the show? The 18 drivers had six hours on the 4.3km circuit of Spain to become familiar with the track, conditions and the car. The quicker thy do this; the quicker their potential begins to shine through the car. The morning sessions concluded with 18-year-old, Ella Stevens from Great Britian topping the times with a 1:46.921, followed by British driver, Megan Bruce and American driver, Payton Westcott. Luck wasn't on some driver's sides as there were multiple red flags and meetings with gravel.

Moving into the afternoon, the session started with Bruce setting a time of 1:47.502 which she held onto for one hour, setting her apart from the rest of the grid. The session was extended by ten minutes in result of the oil leak of Scottish driver, Rachel Robertson. A disappointing end of the rookie test for the 18-year-old. We saw consistency from Payton Westcott and Ella Stevens as they once again finished in the top three at the end of the session. The spotlight is now on them. Could we be expecting an appearance from them soon in the future?  That is the question.

Written by: Emily G