German driver Mathilda Paatz will make her F1 Academy debut in Canada this weekend. The 16-year-old will join the grid as a wild-card entry in celebration of F1 Academy’s new partnership with Gatorade.
This marks an exciting step forward in Paatz’s career after several years competing in European and World karting championships. Currently racing in the F4 CEZ Championship, she recently secured her first podium with an impressive second-place finish at Austria’s Red Bull Ring.
A dream opportunity for Paatz
Ahead of her debut, Paatz expressed her excitement about joining this groundbreaking series.
“I’m beyond excited to be the Wild Card driver at Round 4 of F1 Academy at the Canadian Grand Prix this weekend.“
“Growing up, the theatre of racing captivated me. The energy, the passion, and how drivers carried the pride of their teams. Now, to be racing on a Formula 1 weekend, with fans around the world watching, is a dream come true.”
This weekend, Paatz will proudly compete with a special Gatorade livery, following the brand’s recent trailblazing partnership with F1 Academy.
“I’m especially proud to partner with Gatorade, a brand that has championed athletes at every level and is helping pave the way for the next generation of women in motorsport.”
This opportunity paves the way for a potential 2026 seat in the series. The German will be aiming to follow in the footsteps of former Wild Card entries Nina Gademan and Alisha Palmowski. The pair made standout appearances in 2024 and secured full-time seats for the 2025 season.
In a weekend where even the most experienced drivers in the field are unfamiliar with the track, A strong performance in Canada could put Paatz firmly in contention for a 2026 seat on the grid.
