A Historic Moment for Women in Motorsport
On September 17-18, 2025, the Circuito de Navarra in Spain will come alive with the roar of ambition as 18 young female drivers take the wheel in the inaugural F1 ACADEMY rookie test. Announced on September 11, 2025, this landmark event marks a pivotal step in nurturing the next generation of women in Formula 1. With the global spotlight on Baku for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, these rookies, aged 15-21, will showcase their skills on a level playing field, vying for a full-time seat or Wild Card entry in the 2026 F1 ACADEMY season. For fans and aspiring racers, this test is a beacon of hope, proving that barriers in motorsport are being dismantled.
The Human Drive: Dreams on the Track
Imagine the anticipation as drivers like Lisa Billard, Natalia Granada, and Payton Westcott prepare to race under the watchful eyes of F1 ACADEMY teams. These young women, selected from a growing global talent pool, carry the weight of their dreams and the hopes of countless girls inspired by their journey. For many, this is their first time behind the wheel of F1 ACADEMY machinery, a moment that could define their careers. The emotional stakes are high—each lap is a chance to prove they belong among the elite, breaking stereotypes in a male-dominated sport. Communities worldwide, from karting tracks to city streets, rally behind these trailblazers, celebrating their courage.
Facts and Figures: A Fair Shot at Glory
The rookie test, held alongside official F1 ACADEMY testing at Circuito de Navarra, ensures all 18 drivers compete under identical conditions with the same Tatuus F4-T421 cars. On September 17, participants will immerse themselves in team briefings and engineering sessions, gaining insights into the professional world of motorsport. They’ll also undergo physical and cognitive assessments by More Than Equal, the series’ Official Driver Performance & Research Partner, measuring strength, endurance, and cognition to guide their development. On September 18, the rookies will log six hours of track time, showcasing their speed and racecraft. The selected drivers include Lisa Billard, Laura Bourguet, Annabelle Brian, Megan Bruce, Alexia Danielsson, Eva Dorrestijn, Autumn Fisher, Zoe Florescu Potolea, Natalia Granada, Alexandra Herve, Jade Jacquet, Imogen Radburn, Rachel Robertson, Michalina Sabaj, Emma Scarbrough, Ella Stevens, Alexandra Vateva, and Payton Westcott.
Broader Context: Building a Pipeline for Female Talent
The F1 ACADEMY rookie test is more than a competition—it’s a movement. Since its inception, F1 ACADEMY has championed female drivers, with stars like Maya Weug leading the 2025 grid. The sport’s global viewership, exceeding 1.5 billion annually, amplifies the test’s impact, inspiring young women worldwide. Susie Wolff, F1 ACADEMY Managing Director, called it “a landmark moment for our sport,” emphasizing the growing competitiveness of female talent. Partnerships with More Than Equal and programs like Champions of the Future Academy, which saw Luna Fluxa Cross win the 2024 OK-N Senior karting title, underscore a commitment to long-term development. This test aligns with F1’s push for diversity, challenging the status quo in a sport where only 1% of drivers historically have been women.
What Lies Ahead: A Path to the Podium
The rookie test’s outcomes will shape the 2026 F1 ACADEMY grid, offering a clear pathway for talent. Data from More Than Equal’s assessments will inform strategies to support female drivers, potentially influencing karting and Formula 4 programs globally. As F1’s popularity surges—evidenced by $2 billion in 2024 sponsorship revenue per SponsorUnited—this initiative could attract more investment in women’s motorsport. For the rookies, success at Navarra could mean a seat alongside 2025 stars or a Wild Card entry, propelling them toward Formula 1’s upper echelons. Globally, this test sets a precedent for equitable opportunities, inspiring other sports to prioritize diversity.
Conclusion: Accelerating Change in Motorsport
The F1 ACADEMY rookie test is a turbocharged leap toward equality in motorsport. As 18 female drivers take to the Circuito de Navarra, they’re not just chasing lap times—they’re carving a path for future generations. With the world watching, from Baku’s grandstands to living rooms globally, this event proves that talent knows no gender. The F1 ACADEMY rookie test is a victory lap for progress, fueling dreams and driving change.
