From a surprise debut at the British Grand Prix to a dynamic new look, F1 Academy in 2026 marks the continuation of the all-female F4 series for the fourth consecutive year.
Since its debut in 2023, F1 Academy has grown stronger with each passing year, with 2025 marking a pivotal turning point for the series.
Now, as F1 Academy enters its fourth season, the series has unveiled a refreshed brand identity that signals a bold new era.
Featuring an updated logo, a striking ‘accelerator’ brand icon, an elevated colour palette, and an energised design language, the new look embodies the series’ progression and its tangible impact on the next generation of racing talent.
Together, these new design elements will capture the energy and vision of the series’ new ethos: high stakes, higher drive. They will come to life through digital platforms, broadcast coverage, merchandising, and at F1 Academy race weekends.
Riding on this momentum, Season Four promises to be the most thrilling yet, with a seven‑round calendar running alongside the FIA Formula 1 World Championship.
So, if you’re gearing up to watch F1 Academy in 2026, here’s everything you need to know before the season kicks off in Shanghai, China.
Race Calendar For F1 Academy In 2026
The 2026 calendar will once again see the all‑female series run alongside Formula 1 at seven global events. Season Four features 14 races across seven rounds, continuing the format of one reverse‑grid race per weekend.
To further support driver development, the series also includes 12 days of official testing, giving competitors valuable seat time and preparation.
The campaign starts in Shanghai from March 13 to 15, before moving on to the Jeddah Corniche Circuit in Saudi Arabia for Round 2 and Circuit Gilles‑Villeneuve in Canada for Round 3.
A major highlight this year is the series’ debut at the British Grand Prix in Silverstone, while Zandvoort maintains its unique status as the only circuit to appear in every season so far.
The final stretch takes the series to the United States, with Austin’s Circuit of The Americas returning for the first time since 2023 in late October.
The season then concludes in spectacular fashion on the Las Vegas Strip Circuit from November 19 to 21, echoing last year’s finale and promising another dramatic end to the campaign.
“Our 2026 F1 ACADEMY calendar reflects the momentum we’re building and the visibility we’re earning across the sport. Silverstone and Austin are two fantastic additions to our 2026 roster, and returning to five established races gives us our strongest calendar yet, closing once again in Las Vegas where we aim to finish the season with the same style and flair we delivered this year.” — Susie Wolff, Managing Director of F1 Academy
F1 Academy In 2026: Teams and Drivers Guide
Prema Racing
- Team Manager: Goffredo Pirro
- Drivers: Mathilda Paatz (Supported by Aston Martin), Payton Westcott (Supported by Mercedes) and Natalia Granada (Supported by Sephora)
Founded in 1983, Prema Racing has established itself as a dominant force in junior motorsport, nurturing talent across the racing ladder and serving as a key development hub for drivers linked to Ferrari, Mercedes, Red Bull, and other Formula 1 programmes.
By 2025, Prema Racing had already secured its third consecutive Teams’ Championship in the series, further underscoring its dominance. Notably, Doriane Pin, the 2025 F1 Academy Drivers’ Champion, raced for Prema Racing, adding another milestone to the team’s storied history.
Who Is Driving For Prema Racing in 2026?
Linking up with Aston Martin, Mathilda Paatz joins the reigning Teams’ Champions after making her F1 Academy debut as a Wild Card entry in Montreal. The 17‑year‑old now steps into a full‑time seat, following an impressive performance during Aston Martin’s evaluation programme.
She’s joined by American racer Payton Westcott, who makes history as the first driver to progress from the F1 Academy Discover Your Drive karting programme into a full‑time grid spot.
Spanish driver Natalia Granada is also the latest addition to the squad and F1 Academy grid as she becomes the first driver to be supported by iconic beauty brand SEPHORA.
Campos Racing
- Team Manager: Gabriela Parra
- Drivers: Megan Bruce (Supported by Tag Heuer), Rafeala Ferreira (Supported by Racing Bulls) and Alisha Palmowski (Supported by Red Bull Racing)
Founded in 1997, the Spanish outfit has long been a fixture in junior single-seater categories like Formula 2 and Formula 3. Their decision to join F1 Academy reflects the same philosophy as their competitors.
In 2025, Campos Racing delivered one of the strongest campaigns but failed to sustain the hunt for either title. Still, they managed to finish second in the Team’s Championship and Chloe Chambers secured third place overall in the Drivers’ Standings.
Who Is Driving For Campos Racing in 2026?
Rafaela Ferreira and Alisha Palmowski return for their sophomore season with Campos Racing, eager to build on their 2025 campaigns and push further up the grid.
Joining them is rookie Megan Bruce, stepping onto the 2026 stage with F1 Academy Official Partner TAG Heuer. After impressing in a last‑minute one‑off appearance in Singapore, the British driver now has the chance to convert that promise into consistent results with more seat time at her disposal.
MP Motorsports
- Team Manager: Wouter Blokhuis
- Drivers: Nina Gademan (Supported by Alpine), Alba Larsen (Supported by Ferrari) and Esmee Kosterman (Backed by Lego)
Based in the Netherlands, MP Motorsport is a familiar name across the junior categories, consistently developing drivers who have gone on to reach Formula 1.
After narrowly missing out on the 2025 Drivers’ Championship with Maya Weug, the team enters this season with bold ambitions to ensure that nothing will stand in their way of glory.
Who Is Driving For From MP Motorsports in 2026?
Alba Larsen remains with MP Motorsport for 2026 and will step into the Scuderia Ferrari F1 Academy race seat.
Joining her are race‑winner Nina Gademan, continuing her journey with Alpine, and Esmee Kosterman, who scored points as a Wild Card driver last season and will proudly represent LEGO Racing in their debut campaign as the iconic brand joins the series.
Rodin Motorsports
- Team Manager: Benn Huntingford
- Drivers: Ella Lloyd (Supported by McLaren), Ella Stevens (Supported by McLaren Oxagon) and Emma Felbermayr (Supported by Audi)
Rodin Motorsport, based in New Zealand, has steadily built its reputation across junior single‑seater categories, with a strong emphasis on driver development and competitive excellence.
Although their 2025 campaign didn’t quite reach the highs of the previous year, it still delivered plenty of positives. Wins for Emma Felbermayr and Ella Lloyd, followed by the team’s first double podium in the series, showcased Rodin’s resilience despite a challenging season.
Who Is Driving For Rodin Motorsports in 2026?
The ambition for 2026 remains bold. 2025 Rookie of the Year Ella Lloyd returns for another shot at the title, while Emma Felbermayr looks to build on her 10th‑place finish in the standings last season.
They’re joined by newcomer Ella Stevens, whose pace in the Rookie Test signals exciting potential for the season ahead.
ART Grand Prix
- Team Manager: Pierre Soullier
- Drivers: Lisa Billard (Supported by Gatorade), Jade Jacquet (Supported by Williams) and Kaylee Countryman (Supported by Haas)
Founded by Ferrari Team Principal Frédéric Vasseur alongside Nicolas Todt, the French squad endured a less competitive 2025 season.
They struggled to find consistent points and ultimately slipping to fifth in the Teams’ Standings.
Who Is Driving For ART Grand Prix in 2026?
Sporting an all‑rookie line‑up for 2026 in Lisa Billard, Kaylee Countryman, and Jade Jacquet, ART Grand Prix will be aiming to recapture the form they showed in F1 Academy’s inaugural season in 2023, when they propelled Léna Bühler to Vice‑Champion honours.
With three promising rookies at the helm, the upcoming campaign could be an opportunity to rebuild momentum.
Hitech Grand Prix
- Team Manager: Dan Hooder
- Drivers: Rachel Robertson (Supported by Puma), Ava Dobson (Supported by American Express), and Wei Shi (Supported by Juss Sports)
Founded in the UK, Hitech Grand Prix entered F1 Academy in 2025 as part of the series’ expansion to an 18‑car grid.
In their debut season, the British squad struggled to match the pace of their rivals, managing just six points‑scoring finishes across 14 races.
Who Is Driving For Hitech Grand Prix in 2026?
Rachel Robertson and Miami Wild Card Ava Dobson step into their rookie season in 2026, both having impressed during their limited outings and now aiming to translate that promise into consistent results and strong points with Hitech.
Joining them is Chinese driver Shi Wei, also known as “Tie Dou,” who returns as the first F1 Academy Wild Card entry of the season. Having made history last year as the first Chinese driver to compete in the series, she now returns to race in front of her home crowd at Round 1 in Shanghai.
**
F1 Academy returns in 2026 for the season opener in Shanghai on March 13.
Featured Image Credits: Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team