F1 Academy

What F1 Academy does

F1 Academy is an all-female single-seater developmental racing championship organized by Formula 1 Group, launched in 2023 and headquartered in London, UK. The series operates as an official support championship at Formula 1 Grand Prix weekends, with the 2026 season featuring 17 full-time female drivers competing across 14 races at 7 circuits including Shanghai, Montreal, Silverstone, Zandvoort, Austin, and Las Vegas. All 10 Formula 1 teams back at least one driver in the championship, and six contracted racing teams (PREMA Racing, Campos Racing, MP Motorsport, Rodin Motorsport, ART Grand Prix, and Hitech) operate the entries using Tatuus chassis with Autotecnica Motori engines. The Managing Director is Susie Wolff, former Williams F1 driver and Venturi Formula E Team Principal.

The business is structured around four revenue streams: brand sponsorship and partnerships (with Sephora, Gatorade, American Express, TAG Heuer, Visa, Charlotte Tilbury, Tommy Hilfiger, Puma, LEGO Group, and others), broadcast and media rights (F1 TV and a Netflix docuseries produced by Reese Witherspoon's Hello Sunshine launched May 2025), driver cost funding (the series covers over 80% of driver costs), and race event revenue including Paddock Club hospitality at F1 venues. F1 Academy receives multi-million dollar investment from Formula 1's owners as a wholly-owned initiative operating as F1 Academy Limited under UK corporate structure.

Beyond the racing series, the product surface includes the Discover Your Drive global talent identification program, the Champions of the Future Academy Program karting series (international and UK national editions), the Driver Development Hub and workshop series covering mental, physical, tactical, simulator, and social-performance training, the Wild Card Programme for non-grid drivers, and a live timing system. The series addresses a 50-year gap since Lella Lombardi competed in a Formula 1 race (1975 Spanish GP) by building a structured pathway from grassroots karting through professional single-seater competition, while expanding F1's female fan base to 42% of the global audience.

Name

F1 Academy

Legal name

F1 Academy Limited

Website

https://f1academy.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2023

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

F1 Academy is an all-female single-seater developmental racing championship organized by Formula 1, featuring 17 full-time drivers competing alongside F1 Grand Prix weekends globally and backed by all 10 F1 teams.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Motorsport Racing Series

NAICS

Spectator Sports (71121), Sports Teams and Clubs (711211)

SIC

Services-Racing, Including Track Operation (7948)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYMPAKAAAH

Motorsports Leagues & Series

Media, Entertainment & Sports/Sports (Leagues, Teams, Events, Venues)/Professional Sports Leagues (Domestic & International)

SECONDARYMPAKAGAH

Motorsports Support & Feeder Series (Developmental Championships)

Media, Entertainment & Sports/Sports (Leagues, Teams, Events, Venues)/Motorsports Series, Teams & Promoters

SECONDARYMPAKADAE

Motorsport Event Promoters & Race Organizers

Media, Entertainment & Sports/Sports (Leagues, Teams, Events, Venues)/Sports Event & Tournament Organizers (Tours, Championships, Meets)

SECONDARYMPAKAJAJ

Motorsport Driver Training Schools & Racing Academies

Media, Entertainment & Sports/Sports (Leagues, Teams, Events, Venues)/Sports Camps, Academies & Training Centers

Keywords

• All-female motorsport series
• Single-seater racing championship
• Women driver development
• Motorsport talent pipeline
• Support racing series

Headquarters

HQ city

London

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Sponsorship and Brand Partnerships: F1 Academy generates revenue through official partner relationships with brands including Sephora, Gatorade, American Express, TAG Heuer, Visa, Charlotte Tilbury, Tommy Hilfiger, Puma, LEGO Group, and others. The series has attracted female-focused brands investing in the series.
2. Broadcast and Media Rights: The series receives multi-million dollar investment from Formula 1's owners and generates revenue through broadcast deals, F1 TV viewership, and media content including Netflix docuseries.
3. Driver Cost Funding: F1 Academy funds over 80% of driver costs, which may include contribution from commercial partners and F1 to support the all-female racing initiative.
4. Race Event Revenue: Revenue generated from race events held at F1 race weekends, including ticket sales, hospitality (Paddock Club), and fan engagement activities.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

F1 Academy operates an all-female single-seater racing championship organized by Formula 1, with 17 full-time female drivers competing across 14 races at F1 Grand Prix venues worldwide. The series provides a structured driver development pathway from grassroots karting through the Discover Your Drive talent identification program to professional single-seater racing, with F1 Academy funding over 80% of driver costs. All 10 Formula 1 teams back at least one driver in the championship.

Product overview

F1 Academy is an all-female developmental racing championship organized by Formula 1, launched in 2023. The core product is the F1 Academy Racing Series featuring full-time female drivers competing in single-seater cars alongside the Formula 1 World Championship. Supporting the racing series is Discover Your Drive, a global talent identification and development initiative comprising the Champions of the Future Academy Program karting series (international and UK national), the Driver Development Hub offering workshops and resources, and the Wild Card Programme for entry-level competition. The Live Timing system provides real-time race data for fans and teams. Together, these products create a complete pathway from grassroots karting through professional single-seater racing, with the ultimate goal of developing female drivers capable of competing at the top levels of motorsport.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Discover Your Drive: Global initiative and development programme designed to identify and nurture talented young female drivers, featuring in-person events, virtual workshops, career opportunities and dedicated content.

Products and services

• F1 Academy Racing Series The flagship all-female single-seater racing championship organized by Formula 1, featuring 17 full-time drivers competing in a season of races supporting the Formula 1 World Championship across multiple continents.
• Discover Your Drive

Quantifiable outcome

• 42% of F1's global fan base is now female (up from 37% in 2018)
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

26 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major, flagship and minor.

• DisneycoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 13 March 2026Disney expanded its partnership with Formula 1 through an agreement with F1 Academy, with broader strategic implications not yet specified.
• SephoracoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 12 March 2026Sephora named Official Partner and Official Beauty Retail Partner of F1 Academy for 2026 season. Partnership includes activations at 17 Grands Prix and sponsorship of rookie driver Natalia Granada. The Prema-operated car will feature Sephora's black and white branding.
• VisacoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 19 February 2026Visa renewed multi-year agreement with F1 Academy, continuing sponsorship or partnership activities with the all-female racing series.
• LEGO GroupcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 28 November 2025LEGO Racing partnership with F1 Academy including launch of racing livery design and first motor racing team in Las Vegas. Aims to inspire young fans, especially girls, through creative motorsport play and promote inclusivity in motorsport.
• GatoradecoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 12 June 2025Multi-year partnership with Gatorade as Official Partner until 2030. Starting from 2026 season, Gatorade provides personalized hydration strategies, performance testing, and cutting-edge research specifically designed for young female racers. Partnership coinciding with Netflix documentary release.
• TAG HeuercoreGTM or Marketing PartnerTAG Heuer is an Official Partner of F1 Academy, supporting drivers and the racing series with brand activations.
• American ExpresscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerAmerican Express is an Official Partner of F1 Academy, with activations at race events including sponsorship of drivers like Ava Dobson.
• Charlotte TilburymajorGTM or Marketing PartnerOne of the major brand partnerships with F1 Academy under Susie Wolff's leadership.
• Tommy HilfigermajorGTM or Marketing PartnerOne of the major brand partnerships with F1 Academy under Susie Wolff's leadership.
• PumamajorGTM or Marketing PartnerPuma is a brand partner with F1 Academy, providing athletic footwear and apparel for drivers.
• Formula 1 (Parent)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerF1 Academy is organized by Formula 1, receiving multi-million dollar investment from F1's owners. All races held as support championship at F1 race weekends globally.
• Standard CharteredmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerStandard Chartered made debut as official partner at 2026 Formula 1 World Championship Heineken Chinese Grand Prix, serving as official wealth management partner and official corporate and investment banking partner of F1, with connection to F1 Academy activities.
• PREMA RacingcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPREMA Racing is one of six racing teams operating F1 Academy cars, fielding drivers including Mathilda Paatz, Payton Westcott, and Natalia Granada.
• Campos RacingcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCampos Racing operates F1 Academy cars, fielding drivers including Megan Bruce, Rafaela Ferreira, and Alisha Palmowski.
• MP MotorsportcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMP Motorsport is one of the racing teams in F1 Academy, fielding drivers including Nina Gademan, Alba Larsen, and Esmee Kosterman.
• Rodin MotorsportcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRodin Motorsport operates F1 Academy cars, fielding drivers including Emma Felbermayr, Ella Lloyd, and Ella Stevens.
• ART Grand PrixcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerART Grand Prix operates F1 Academy cars, fielding drivers including Lisa Billard, Kaylee Countryman, and Jade Jacquet.
• HitechcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHitech operates F1 Academy cars, fielding drivers including Chiara Bättig (Wild Card), Ava Dobson, and Rachel Robertson.
• F1 Teams (Alpine, Audi, Aston Martin, Ferrari, McLaren, Mercedes, Red Bull Racing, Williams, Haas, Racing Bulls)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerAll 10 Formula 1 teams support F1 Academy drivers, with each team backing at least one driver in the championship. Team logos appear on driver profiles as supporters.
• SalesforcemajorGTM or Marketing PartnerSalesforce is a partner with Formula 1 and has advertising/promotion connection with F1 Academy through Formula 1's digital ecosystem.
• TeamViewermajorGTM or Marketing PartnerTeamViewer is a partner with Formula 1, with connection to F1 Academy through the broader F1 sponsorship ecosystem.
• Wella ProfessionalsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerWella Professionals sponsors wild card driver Chiara Bättig at Silverstone, with car branding and team support.
• PirellicoreOthersPirelli is the official tire supplier for F1 Academy racing series, providing tires for all race events.
• TatuuscoreOthersTatuus manufactures the racing chassis used in F1 Academy competition.
• Autotecnica MotoricoreOthersAutotecnica Motori supplies engines for F1 Academy racing cars.
• AramcomajorGTM or Marketing PartnerAramco is a partner of Formula 1 with connection to F1 Academy through the broader motorsport ecosystem.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Emerging players

• NASCAR Drive for Diversity: NASCAR's Drive for Diversity program identifies and develops minority and female driving talent in stock car racing. It is the closest U.S.-based analog to F1 Academy's Discover Your Drive program in terms of mission and structure, though operating in a different racing discipline.
• Extreme E (now Extreme H): Extreme E was an off-road electric SUV racing series with a gender-equal driver mandate per team. It shares with F1 Academy a purpose-driven commercial positioning around sustainability/inclusivity, premium brand partnerships, and broadcast at high-profile venues.

Broad incumbents

• Formula 1: Formula 1 is the parent ecosystem and final destination for F1 Academy graduates. F1 Group is the parent company of F1 Academy Limited, owns the commercial rights to the World Championship, and provides the broadcast, calendar, and team infrastructure that F1 Academy depends on.
• Formula E: Formula E is the FIA-sanctioned electric single-seater world championship. Susie Wolff served as Team Principal at Venturi Racing before leading F1 Academy. Both series target progressive, brand-friendly audiences and run city-based race formats with major OEM and technology sponsors.

Direct peers

• W Series: W Series was the most direct historical comparator — an all-female single-seater racing series operating as a Formula 1 support championship. Ceased operations in 2022 due to financial difficulties, making F1 Academy its spiritual successor and the only currently active series in this niche.
• FIA Formula 3 Championship: FIA F3 is the second-tier F1 support series using identical chassis and engines run by professional teams at F1 weekends. F1 Academy sits below F3 in the F1 development ladder and shares similar operational, broadcast, and commercial structures.
• Formula Regional European Championship: Formula Regional is a step below FIA F3 and a direct adjacent tier in the single-seater development pyramid feeding into F1. It uses Tatuus chassis (same as F1 Academy) and runs comparable regional calendars, making it a near-substitute pathway.
• FIA Formula 2 Championship: FIA F2 is the direct F1 feeder series running at the same Grand Prix weekends with a comparable operational model (team-operated chassis, fixed-cost entries, integrated broadcast). F1 Academy is positioned one tier below F2 as another developmental step toward Formula 1.
• IndyCar NXT (Indy NXT): Indy NXT is the official developmental feeder series for IndyCar in North America. It mirrors F1 Academy's role as a step-down championship that prepares drivers for the top-tier open-wheel series, and is the most comparable North American structural analog.

Others

• Ferrari Challenge: Ferrari Challenge is a one-make GT racing series with regional and world finals, run at major F1 weekends. It is comparable in operational mechanics (manufacturer-backed, team-run, F1-weekend support events) and shares the developmental pathway ethos, though targeting a different driver and fan segment.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/f1academy
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@f1academy/featured
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/f1-academy
• Instagraminstagram.com/f1academy

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about F1 Academy