Women have long faced barriers in motorsport, but the tide is turning. With F1 Academy at the forefront, new opportunities are emerging for female racers aspiring to reach the pinnacle of the sport. While changing perceptions and discovering a clear path to Formula 1 takes time, real progress is already underway. As the all-female racing series enters its third season, F1 Academy Managing Director Susie Wolff reflects on the strides made so far.
In celebration of International Women’s Day, she discussed how the series is fast-tracking change, opening doors for female drivers, and creating a sustainable pipeline of talent both on and off the track.
Building a lasting legacy
F1 Academy has quickly positioned itself as a game-changer in motorsport. Despite being in the early stages of what Wolff describes as a ‘long-term project’, the series has already secured its place on Formula 1 Grand Prix weekends, gained the backing of all ten F1 teams, and established itself as a global force for change.
“I think it was always clear we had one shot to get it right,” says Wolff. “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.”
Beyond the racing series itself, F1 Academy is inspiring the next generation, with increasing numbers of young girls entering karting—something Wolff refers to as ‘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.”
Expanding the Grid, strengthening the talent pool
For the 2025 season, F1 Academy’s grid will expand from 15 to 18 full-time cars, including a dedicated Wild Card entry at each round. The arrival of Hitech TGR as the sixth team strengthens the series’ credibility, as they bring experience from the junior single-seater ranks.
However, Wolff emphasises that increasing the grid wasn’t a rushed decision—it was based on ensuring a steady flow of talented young drivers capable of competing at this level.
“We had to build up our global database, understand who’s out there racing and what the talent pipeline looks like to ensure that we had enough talented young drivers to increase the grid,” Wolff says. “And to make sure that it’s set in the future because, with the two-year rule, you need to make sure that there’s a pipeline of talent coming up.”
Among the standout names for 2025 is Mercedes-backed Doriane Pin, an accomplished racer who has already turned heads in endurance racing and single-seaters. Ferrari junior Maya Weug also returns, continuing her development under the prestigious Ferrari Driver Academy. Additionally, American driver Chloe Chambers, who has competed in Formula 4 and W Series, brings further international representation to the field.
Nurturing future champions
While some of the new drivers may be less experienced than their predecessors, Wolff views this as a fundamental aspect of F1 Academy’s mission—providing a structured environment where emerging talent can develop and progress through the motorsport ranks.
“It was always going to be the case that certain drivers were coming in with less experience, that’s why our minimum age is 16.
“We want the young girls to come in who have the potential because we believe in our environment, they can excel and develop in the correct way.
“I have no problem that we have drivers with less experience because, in the end, that’s what Formula 4 is. It’s the first step up into the single-seater ladder.”
F1 Academy aligns with Formula 4 as the first major step in single-seater racing, offering crucial experience before drivers progress to FIA Formula 3 and beyond.
A global stage for female racing, says Wolff
A key change for 2025 is the return of reverse grids, a format Wolff believes is essential for driver development.
“First and foremost, it’s in other race series so, when they progress up, they will be faced with reverse grids.
“It also allows those racing at the front to still have to fight through from the midfield and learn and develop their racecraft.”
The series’ global expansion continues as well, moving beyond its European focus to cover three continents. One of the most anticipated additions is the debut race in Shanghai, marking F1 Academy’s growing presence in Asia. The calendar also includes three North American events, with the series making history as the first open-wheel support category to race on the Las Vegas Strip.
“Our calendar is something we can be proud of.
“We need to be a global series because the awareness in the platform needs to inspire talent on every continent to make sure that we have more young women coming through.”
“I’m thankful to the promoters who put so much support behind us, enabling us to put such a great calendar together.
“A highlight for me this season will without a doubt be our big finale in Las Vegas. The Las Vegas team know how to do things with a bang, and that’s going to be a brilliant ending for us to finish our season.”
With a growing grid, increased international reach, and a steadfast commitment to breaking barriers, F1 Academy is proving that the future of women in motorsport is brighter than ever.
Feature Image Credit: @Susie_Wolff | X
