After its debut in 2023, F1 Academy has been on the rise. Bringing more recognition to women in motorsport and providing young female drivers with opportunities to grow and prepare for their future careers.
In the past two seasons, 15 full-time drivers have been divided into five already well-recognized teams: ART Grand Prix, Campos Racing, Rodin Motorsport, MP Motorsport and Prema Racing. However, this season, the F1 Academy grid is set to expand with addition of sixth team, Hitech Grand Prix.
The British team was founded by Dennis Rushen and David Hayle in 2002, and later on in 2015 relaunched by Oliver Oakes. Hitech is already present in multiple single-seater series, including Formula 2, Formula 3, GB3 Championship, Formula Winter Series, Euro 4 Championship, British F4, and Formula 4. Forming many successful drivers throughout the years, such as George Russell and Alex Albon, who now compete in Formula 1, Alexander Rossi and Marcus Armstrong in IndyCar or António Félix da Costa in Formula E.
What does this mean for the female single-seater series? In F1 Academy, Hitech will provide two full-time driver seats, while the third will serve as a Wild Card entry. Giving an opportunity to a new driver at each race to showcase their talent in hopes of becoming a full-time addition to the grid in the future.
The concept of the Wild Card was introduced in 2024 and has been quite successful. Four out of six drivers who competed as Wild Card entries during the season secured a full-time seat for the 2025 season.
With the season approaching fast, the driver line-up was confirmed last week as well. Canadian driver Nicole Havrda, supported by American Express, began karting in 2019 after her first in-person experience with Formula 1 during family vacation. She quickly progressed to racing on a Grand Prix weekend and can’t wait to make a statement in her new journey.
Her teammate, Aiva Anagnostiadis, who comes from the other side of the world, became the first Australian driver featuring in F1 Academy. Coming from a motorsport-loving family, Anagnostiadis has a strong CV. Featuring experience in both Australian and European racing programs, and is now partnering with TAG Heuer.
We also know the first Wild Card, Wei Shi. The first Chinese driver to feature in F1 Academy, was given the opportunity to race in front of her home crowd in Shanghai. The first of seven F1 academy race weekends.
With the expansion from 15 to 18 drivers, more female drivers will have the chance to showcase their speed. It also highlights the potential of the Academy, opening the way for both current and, most importantly, future generations of drivers.