18 Female Drivers Show Their Skills at F1 Academy’s First-Ever Rookie Test

November 14, 2025

• Eighteen female drivers from around the world participated in F1 Academy’s inaugural rookie test at Spain’s Circuito de Navarra, marking a significant step in talent identification. The two-day evaluation combined 60% on-track performance assessment with 40% off-track skills including media training and cognitive testing. Several “underdogs and surprises” impressed evaluators, proving the value of giving opportunities to drivers who might lack resources but possess serious talent.
• The test represents F1 Academy’s holistic approach to developing the motorsport pipeline, with talent scout Katie Denver emphasizing that “timesheets often tell only a small part of the story.” The program has grown to 1.38 million social media followers since 2023, attracting sponsors from Tommy Hilfiger to Charlotte Tilbury, while all 10 F1 teams continue backing the series. This commercial success reflects growing confidence that we’ll genuinely see female drivers reach the top levels.
• F1 Academy is tackling the harsh reality that only 10% of motorsport participants are women, with numbers dropping as drivers climb the racing ladder. The series launched a Driver Development Guide to demystify the expensive, complex pathway from karting to professional racing. Starting in 2027, drivers may petition for a third season if they show performance growth, recognizing that the traditional two-season limit might not account for the unique challenges women face in motorsport development.

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