F1 ACADEMY strengthens talent pipeline with rookie test and continued Champions of the Future Academy Program collaboration

F1 ACADEMY has today reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its future talent pipeline with the announcement of an inaugural rookie test and a continued collaboration with the Champions of the Future Academy Program.

Announced today, the series’ inaugural rookie test will take place in September 2025, providing up to 18 young drivers with their first experience behind the wheel of an F1 ACADEMY car. Reflecting the series’ deep-rooted commitment to developing and nurturing the next generation of talent, the test will provide emerging female talent a platform to demonstrate their speed and potentially be selected for future seasons of F1 ACADEMY.

The opportunity to participate in the rookie test will be extended to drivers who have demonstrated promising results in senior karting categories and Formula 4 level series. To be eligible to participate, the rookie test must be the driver’s first ever outing in F1 ACADEMY machinery.

After a day of testing, all the rookies will be invited to attend a series of development workshops hosted by the F1 ACADEMY Driver Development team, designed to provide drivers with valuable knowledge and tools to support their future progression.

To further support rising talent at the karting level, F1 ACADEMY has also today announced the continuation of a collaboration with acclaimed karting series Champions of the Future Academy Program (COTFA), with nine selected participants set to be supported by F1 ACADEMY DISCOVER YOUR DRIVE in 2025.

This continued collaboration comes after a successful first season in which F1 ACADEMY DISCOVER YOUR DRIVE supported driver Luna Fluxa Cross was crowned Champion in the OK-N Senior category. This incredible achievement made her the first female winner of an FIA international championship since Susanna Raganelli won the World Karting Championship in 1966.

As previously announced, and as the reigning 2024 Champion and highest-finishing female driver in the senior category, Fluxa Cross will also be invited to participate in the inaugural F1 ACADEMY rookie test.

F1 ACADEMY DISCOVER YOUR DRIVE will once again support three female drivers in each category of the Champions of the Future Academy Program, branding their karts and race suits. Additionally, these participants will receive financial assistance with their entry fees.

The nine F1 ACADEMY DISCOVER YOUR DRIVE supported drivers for the 2025 season are:

Minis (ages 8-11)

• Atiqa Mir
• Ava Lawrence
• Alba Cueva

Juniors (ages 11-14)

• Angelina Simons
• Vanesa Silkunaite
• Victoria Farfus

Seniors (ages 14-17)

• Chiara Battig
• Ella Hakkinen
• Klara Kowalczyk

This weekend marks the opening round of the 2025 COTFA season in which the F1 ACADEMY supported drivers will take to track for the first time. Taking place at the Algarve International Go-Kart Track in Portimão, Portugal, this first meeting is one of six scheduled rounds taking place throughout 2025.

To support the ongoing identification of talent at junior levels, Champions of the Future President, James Geidel, will continue to collaborate closely with F1 ACADEMY Managing Director, Susie Wolff, F1 ACADEMY Performance and Talent Development Manager, Katie Denver, and F1 ACADEMY Competition Manager, Delphine Biscaye. Together, they will identify promising karters who possess the skills and traits necessary to advance through the junior motorsport ladder.

Susie Wolff, Managing Director of F1 ACADEMY said: “To drive the meaningful change we want to see in our sport, we can’t just talk, we need to act. I see a lot more girls competing competitively in karting and we want to make sure that the best have the opportunity to progress. The introduction of an F1 ACADEMY rookie test and the continuation of our collaboration with Champions of the Future Academy Program are unprecedented opportunities for young emerging talent and will help us cultivate a competitive pipeline of talent for F1 ACADEMY for years to come.”

James Geidel, President of Champions of the Future, added: “It has been an absolute privilege to work alongside Susie Wolff and the dedicated team at F1 ACADEMY. In just two seasons, F1 ACADEMY has been a tremendous success, making a significant impact on female participation in the Champions of the Future Academy Program. The 2024 season saw record-breaking entries with over 20% female representation and now in 2025 33% of the senior grid will be female, demonstrating the effectiveness of the Champions of the Future Academy Program in developing future talent and providing a solid pathway to future motorsport disciplines.”