F1 Academy Launches First Official Test
On Thursday, the All-Female F1 Academy series announced its inaugural event in the world of motorsport.
The next official test session is set for later this month at Circuit Dennavara in Spain. Sports will be conducting its first rookie test, featuring 18 drivers over two days who are eligible to compete in the F1 Academy next season. This initiative aims to provide a “fair stage” for rookies to prove they can secure a full-time seat for the wildcard entry in the 2026 season.
During the first day, new drivers will join the Formula 1 Academy team to observe briefings and engineering discussions. They’ll also engage in physical and cognitive assessments aimed at supporting their individual development.
On the second day, the 18 drivers, aged between 18 and 21, will take part in testing with the F1 Academy cars, accumulating a total of six hours of testing time at the Circuit Devara.
These are the selected 18 drivers for the inaugural F1 Academy Rookie Test:
- Lisa Billard
- Laura Bruke
- Annabelle Bryan
- Megan Bruce
- Alexia Danielson
- Eva Dorrestijn
- Autumn Fisherman
- Zoe Floresque Potleia
- Natalia Granada
- Alexandra Elbe
- Jade Jacket
- Imogen Radbaan
- Rachel Robertson
- Mikarina Sabaji
- Emma Scarbrow
- Ella Stevens
- Alexandra Vateva
- Payton West Cott
Suzie Wolff, the managing director of the F1 Academy, highlighted this event not just as a step for the series but as a significant milestone for motorsport.
“This is a groundbreaking moment for our sport, not just for the Formula One Academy as a series. In recent years, the global female talent pool has strengthened, and we aim to showcase the best drivers within the Formula One Academy,” Wolff expressed in the announcement. “With this test, we provide 18 promising talents a fair chance to prove they deserve a spot on the Formula 1 Academy Grid.”
“This test goes beyond mere intention; it exemplifies our commitment to discovering and nurturing the next generation of women in motorsport, while strengthening the talent pipeline for the future. Real change requires meaningful action, and our goal is to dismantle barriers and create more accessible pathways for talented individuals to flourish.”
The upcoming F1 Academy Test Sessions will take place prior to the sixth round of the 2025 F1 Academy Season, scheduled in Singapore in early October, concluding with the Las Vegas Grand Prix in November. This series will be the first support series for the latest F1 Grand Prix.
