F1 Academy: Facilitating the shift in gender barriers within motorsports

F1 Academy grid 2026 | Credit: F1

In this historically male-dominated sport, no female driver has competed in a Formula One race since 1976. The Austrian Grand Prix that year marked not only the 12th and final race for Maria Grazia ‘Lella’ Lombardi but also the last time a female driver competed in this level of the sport. 

These stats remain fixed today as no female driver has since made it to a Grand Prix, however advancements addressing gender barriers within the sport have been identified and transgressive series such as the F1 Academy have since been established.

Founded in 2022 by F1, the F1 Academy officially launched its inaugural season following shortly in 2023. Led by the managing director Susie Wolff - a former professional racing driver - the series was designed with one goal in mind: levelling the playing field by providing an opportunity for young female drivers to prove themself at a high levels of competition within the sport. An overarching aim was set to fill the gap in experience for young female drivers.

Susie Wolff | Credit: F1

Despite being in the early stages, the series has been highly regarded as a large success, having established a strong foundation for increasing female participation in motorsports.

From entry level karting to F1, all drivers have unique experiences and journeys to getting where they want to be. F1 Academy opens a new pathway into F1. Every year 15-17 drivers are welcomed into this single-seater female-only championship, racing across tracks such as the infamous Miami and Barcelona circuits, backed by all 10 F1 teams and supported by major sponsors including Charlotte Tilbury, TAG Heuer, Sephora and PUMA.

F1 Academy session tracks | Credit: F1 Academy

So how exactly is F1 Academy breaking barriers?

Broadening Accessibility 

One commonly recognised challenge with advancing through motorsport is cost. Historically, motorsport has remained expensive and financial barriers have limited participation and progression through pathways in the sport.

F1 Academy lowers financial barriers associated with racing by providing sponsor deals, brand exposure, media connections and access to resources important for development of both racing skill and technical knowledge. The series reduces the reliance on private sponsorship, making it easier to not only access opportunities but also to progress from karting to single-seater racing more seamlessly.

Through this, the series addresses a key hidden barrier in motorsport: disadvantages brought forth by cost.

Creating Clearer Pathways and Increasing Visibility

Before its launch, there were few structured opportunities for young females wanting to progress into elite racing series. Through introducing a program that increases accessibility, the female racers are also exposed to opportunities that increase their visibility and grow connections.

In an attempt to increase representation, the drivers race alongside F1 weekends, putting the girls in front of massive global audiences. By supporting each girl with an F1 team, the F1 academy has successfully aided the normalisation of female driver presence in the paddock as well.

This has perhaps been one of the most influential background advantages to the series as it has acted directly on changing perceptions surrounding women in racing altogether.

Inspiring a New Generations of Drivers

Another of the academy’s goals has been long-term sport culture change. By increasing participation today and normalising the presence of women in racing, the series aims to inspire more girls into showing their racing talents.

Drivers such as the 2025 F1 Academy champion, Doriane pin, have become visible role models for young fans and aspiring racers alike. They have also shown how much change the series has already accelerated. 

Pin herself has progressed quickly since winning her title, having since been promoted as one of the 2026 development drivers for Mercedes F1 Team.

Doriane Pin wins in Zandvoort in 2024 | Credit: F1

It is therefore undeniable that the F1 Academy has already accelerated change and improvement in the inclusion of females in motorsport by providing opportunities that directly combat gender barriers within elite racing.

So much has already been achieved and so many opportunities have been provided for the incredibly talented F1 Academy drivers, raising both excitement and anticipation about how much more is yet to come!