F1 Academy has announced a multi-year partnership extension with the current 10 Formula 1 teams from 2026 on top of major change from 2027.
The all-female racing series will continue to have the backing of the 10 current F1 teams, which all sponsor an F1 Academy livery and driver, through 2026 on a multi-year basis. Cadillac, which is set to make its F1 debut in 2026, will join the F1 Academy sponsorship from 2027.
Another major change confirmed today is that drivers who have raced in the previous two F1 Academy seasons could be granted an exemption to race for a third season from 2027. Drivers have previously been capped at two seasons in the championship.
“The commitment of long-term support from all 10 current Formula 1 teams, and the addition of Cadillac to our grid from 2027, sends a powerful message about the future of F1 Academy," F1 Academy managing director Susie Wolff stated.
"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.
F1 Academy continues to drive forward in 2026. Here are the updates you need to know 👇
— F1 Academy (@f1academy) November 13, 2025
🤝 All 10 @F1 teams continue commitment
🏁 Cadillac F1 Team joins the grid from 2027
🏎️ From 2027, drivers may receive an exemption to compete for a third season
💪 More opportunity. More… pic.twitter.com/uizq8fLXvT
“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 stand out 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.”
Collaborating more closely with F1 and the teams has been crucial in boosting F1 Academy. Its first season in 2023 was controversially not broadcast, apart from the season finale, making it difficult for fans to connect with the drivers and racing. In addition to the F1 team sponsorships, the series was broadcast as part of F1 grand prix weekends from 2024.
Wolff discussed the importance of the collaboration with F1 in March 2025.
“I think it was always clear we had one shot to get it right,” Wolff told F1.com. “We knew we had to get it right and build a strong foundation. In a short space of time, we’ve achieved a lot - joining to race with Formula 1, having the F1 teams onboard and some great partners that have taken liveries and we are now increasing to 18 cars.
“We can be very proud of what we’ve achieved in a short space of time, but this was always a long-term project. We need to see more young girls in karting and they’re calling it ‘the F1 Academy effect’.
“I’ve never seen so many young girls in karting and that – for me – is just as important as the success of the series because we need to inspire the next generation. We need to get more young women racing for the best to rise to the top.”
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