HAILIE DEEGAN Takes Strategic Open-Wheel Route Over F1 Academy Fast Track

June 30, 2025

by Zarec Sanchez // from www.sportskeeda.com

• HAILIE DEEGAN is prioritizing foundation-building over flashy opportunities, choosing to stick with her Indy NXT rookie season despite a challenging start that has her ranked 19th with no top-10 finishes through seven races. While the results aren’t there yet, her methodical approach to learning open-wheel racing shows strategic thinking about long-term career development.
• The 23-year-old turned down what many would consider a golden ticket – an opportunity to race in F1 Academy, the all-female formula series that tours with F1 and gets Netflix docuseries coverage. Her father Brian supported the decision, acknowledging she needs more open-wheel seat time before potentially taking that leap, showing refreshing patience in a sport that often rushes talented drivers.
• DEEGAN’s transition from NASCAR to open-wheel racing represents a bold career pivot that’s paying dividends in experience, even if the results don’t show it yet. With her next race at Mid-Ohio on July 6, she’s building the kind of comprehensive racing resume that could serve her well whether she eventually pursues F1 Academy or carves out her own path in IndyCar feeder series.

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