F1 Academy’s Rookie Test: A step forward in strengthening motorsport’s female talent pipeline
- therookiereporters
- Sep 19
- 2 min read
F1 Academy has selected 18 drivers, aged between 15 and 21, to participate in the series’ first-ever rookie test. The two-day programme will take place on 17-18 September at Circuito de Navarra.
F1 Academy is holding its first-ever rookie test on 17-18 September, with 18 drivers selected to take part in the two test days at the Circuito de Navarra.
While the current F1 Academy grid has its three-day test at the circuit, these 18 female drivers, aged between 15 and 21, will join them for their own rookie test. The programme is designed to give young racers a fair chance to earn a place on the 2026 grid or to be considered for Wild Card entries whilst also growing their experience in single-seaters.
“Over the past three years, the global female talent pool has grown stronger and more competitive,” said F1 Academy’s Managing Director, Susie Wolff. “Our priority is to ensure that we have the best possible drivers competing in F1 Academy.”
“With this test, we are providing eighteen of the most promising talents with an equitable platform for them to demonstrate that they deserve a seat on an F1 Academy grid,” she adds.
On the first day of the rookie test, the participants will be integrated into an F1 Academy team during an official test day, allowing them to observe briefing and engineering sessions.
All participants will also complete physical and cognitive evaluations conducted by the series’ Official Driver Performance & Research Partner, More than Equal. “Supporting F1 ACADEMY in delivering important physical and cognitive assessments at this rookie test reflects our shared mission to ensure that the most talented female drivers are given the tools, data, and opportunities they need to succeed,” said Tom Stanton, CEO of More than Equal.
These assessments will provide each driver with detailed insights into their performance, such as strength, cognition and endurance, while also highlighting areas for growth. “By combining research-led insights with real track experience, we’re not only helping individual drivers unlock their potential but also building the knowledge base required to strengthen the entire pipeline of female talent in motorsport,” states Stanton. “This initiative is a landmark in creating a level playing field for the next generation.”
The current 2025 F1 Academy grid will also take part in these assessments. The findings are set to help shape long-term strategies that will better support women in motorsport at every stage of their careers.
The two-day rookie test programme will conclude with the participants spending six hours behind the wheel of F1 Academy cars, gaining valuable on-track experience.
Katie Denver, Performance & Talent Development Manager of F1 Academy, said: “This test is more than just a statement of intent; it reflects our deep-rooted commitment to identifying and nurturing the next generation of female talent and strengthening the future talent pipeline.”
Article written by Jana Van Nieuwenborgh
