F1 Academy has signed an extension that will see it race in Canada until the 2028 season.
Confirmed:
- F1 Academy will race at Montreal’s Circuit Gilles Villeneuve for the next three years
- Circuit organisers call this “more than a scheduling decision” as they look to create a more inclusive environment
Context:
It’s quite unusual for junior motorsport series to announce long-term contract extensions with circuits, especially those on the support grid for Formula One. These deals are usually tied into the wider contracts with the main championship, such as when the Australian Grand Prix signed an extension with Formula One that included debut visits for both Formula Two and Formula Three.
However, this announcement is evidence of the growing appeal of F1 Academy, which is now broadcast in 170 territories and saw an 111 per cent growth in social following in 2024.
There was also added intrigue in Montreal for Sunday’s F1 Academy Race, which featured Canada’s Nicole Havrda racing at the circuit for the first time.
Comment:
“We are thrilled to be racing at the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve through to 2028 in an extension that supports our expanding international platform and continually growing global fan base,” said Susie Wolff, managing director of F1 Academy.
“The positive reception we have received from the Canadian fans has been a great privilege to witness. I want to thank the team at the Canadian Grand Prix for their support and commitment to fuelling the future of women in motorsport.”
Sandrine Garneau, chief operating officer for brand and strategy at Octane Racing Group, promoters of the Canadian Grand Prix, added: “Canada is a place where openness, inclusion, and diversity aren’t just ideals – they’re part of our identity.
“The enthusiastic response to F1 Academy here in Montreal clearly reflects a strong desire for progress and greater representation in motorsport.
“We are proud to champion this new generation of fearless, talented drivers and to play a role in building a future where every young woman can see herself on the starting grid.
“Confirming the series’ return to our calendar is more than a scheduling decision – it’s a reaffirmation of our commitment to a sport that truly reflects the world around it.”
Coming next:
The announcement comes as F1: The Academy begins streaming on Netflix, a docuseries following the previous season of the all-female series. The increased visibility is drawing more eyeballs to motorsport, and the circuit organisers clearly want to capitalise on this increased attention, especially as it encourages more women to be interested in the sport and potentially come along to race weekends.
Go deeper:
- Gatorade to support F1 Academy from 2026 as PepsiCo expands F1 deal
- F1 Academy adds Wella Group as official partner
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