IMOGEN RADBURN Joins 18 Hopefuls for F1 Academy Rookie Test Seeking 2026 Seats

September 15, 2025

by Ben Waterworth // from speedcafe.com

• RADBURN, the 19-year-old karting late starter who began racing at 14, has earned her shot at the F1 Academy rookie test after blazing through Formula Ford and Formula 4 with multiple state titles and rookie awards. Her rapid progression proves that talent doesn’t wait for the “perfect” starting age, and she’s been paying it forward as a NSW Karting Ambassador working with Girls on Track programs.
• The September 17-18 rookie test puts 18 drivers aged 15-21 through their paces in identical F1 Academy cars, with physical and cognitive assessments determining who earns full-time seats or wildcard entries for 2026. Susie Wolff calls it a “landmark moment” as the series works to identify the strongest talent from what she describes as an increasingly competitive global female talent pool.
• If RADBURN secures a 2026 seat, she’ll join current Australian F1 Academy drivers AIVA ANAGNOSTIADIS and JOANNE CICONTE, who are wrapping up their rookie seasons sitting 15th and 16th in the championship respectively. The pipeline is clearly working – Australia went from zero to three potential F1 Academy representatives, showing how quickly things can change when opportunities open up.

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