F1 Academy to expand support of Champions of the Future Academy from 2026

F1 Academy has announced it will expand its support of the Champions of the Future Academy (COTFA) from 2026.

Confirmed:

• 27 young female drivers will be supported by F1 Academy Discover Your Drive from next season
• COTFA will launch two new series in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the UK to complement its international championship

Context:

Since its launch in 2023, COTFA has pushed female participation in a positive direction. The percentage of female drivers on the grid has risen from five per cent in its inaugural year to 30 per cent in 2025.

As part of the continued collaboration, F1 Academy Discover Your Drive will support nine drivers in the international championship, as well as nine drivers in each of the new regional series. RGMMC, the organiser and promoter of all COTFA initiatives, will contribute a 30 per cent discount towards each participant’s entry fee.

Comment:

“It’s incredible to see how quickly the level of female talent in this championship has risen,” said Susie Wolff, managing director of F1 Academy. “With everyone on the same specification equipment and a capped budget, it gives us a real sense of who stands out on merit alone.

“Our supported drivers aren’t just competing – they’re winning races and showing they have potential talent to rise into F1 Academy and beyond. We’re now extending our support to up to 27 drivers across the international and new UAE and British series – reinforcing our commitment to growing the talent pool.”

Coming next:

The regional series in the UAE will be the first to break ground, with the two-round championship debuting from 7th to 9th November this year. The British regional series will follow in 2026, and applications will open for potential participants at the end of October.

Go deeper:

• F1 Academy commits to future talent pipeline with new rookie test
• Formula E won’t follow F1 in creating women-only racing series