F1 teams recommit to F1 Academy in multi-year agreement

• All entrants have been required to bring €100k in funding to compete in the series
• Drivers may now be granted exemptions for a third season if they show ‘strong potential for continued growth’

All ten Formula One teams will continue to support the all-female F1 Academy series as part of a multi-year extension.

Starting from the 2024 season, all teams committed to sponsoring one livery and driver per year, with each entrant required to bring €100,000 (US$116,000) in funding. Prior to that, the driver contribution had been €150,000 (US$175,000).

Under this framework, ten of the 15 cars on the grid have been run under the branding of a Formula One team, with the remaining five supported by commercial partners such as Charlotte Tilbury, Tommy Hilfiger and American Express.

Cadillac, who are joining the Formula One grid from next season, will join the F1 Academy grid as a sponsor from 2027. This is likely due to existing commercial agreements for 2026, as Gatorade has already announced plans to sponsor an entry for that year.

Related posts:

• F1 Academy commits to future talent pipeline with new rookie test
• F1 Academy to expand support of Champions of the Future Academy from 2026
  

In addition, the F1 Academy regulations have been revised so that a driver who has competed in the two previous campaigns may be granted an exemption to race in the series for a third season. The official release said this opportunity ‘will be granted exclusively to drivers whose performance indicates strong potential for continued growth’.

Susie Wolff, managing director of F1 Academy, said: “The commitment of long-term support from all ten current Formula One teams, and the addition of Cadillac to our grid from 2027, sends a powerful message about the future of F1 Academy.

“We’re not just providing a platform for the current generation of female drivers; together, we’re building a pathway to support generations of talent to come.

“We continue to be impressed by the depth of female talent coming out of the world of karting and are encouraged by the growth and strength of the emerging talent pool.

“A sharpened focus on individualised talent development, including the opportunity for drivers with high potential to compete in up to three seasons, will give standout drivers the support and platform needed to fully realise their potential, while ensuring that the F1 Academy grid consistently features the very best female talent.”