The all-female F1 Academy has agreed a collaboration with international karting series Champions of the Future (COTF).
Confirmed:
- COTF Academy aims to increase female participation and inclusion at a national and international level
- COTFA will implement a series of cost control measures, including a limit on entry fees and an engine and chassis lottery system
- Series will be comprised of three mixed gender categories: Minis (ages eight to 11), Juniors (ages 11 to 14) and Seniors (ages 14 to 17)
- F1 Academy to support three female drivers in each category, including providing financial aid
Context:
The programme will see the three best female drivers in the Seniors category invited to an official F1 Academy test, creating a clear pathway for young female drivers. F1 Academy will also use the COFTA platform to raise awareness for F1 Academy Discover Your Drive youth participation and talent identification initiatives when it joins the F1 calendar in 2024.
Comment:
Susie Wolff, managing director of F1 Academy, said: “With so much momentum building around F1 Academy, we must continue to strengthen the pipeline of talent coming into our sport. We look forward to this collaboration with Champions of the Future which will create a clear pathway from karting into F1 Academy.
“COTFA will operate a lottery system for the chassis and engines plus implement a fixed budget, giving us the opportunity to identify the top talent across all age groups. We will also provide the best in the senior category with an F1 Academy test, giving them a chance to prove themselves to our teams. Champions of the Future shares F1 Academy’s vision to increase female participation, create opportunity and allow clear progression up the motorsport ladder.”
Coming next:
Targeted funding at the lowest levels of motorsport will be the key contributor to more female drivers challenging at the top in future. This is certainly a positive development and part of this will see COTF president James Geidel work closely with F1 Academy managing director Wolff, to identify promising karters who show the potential to progress.