Six Women Lock Down 2026 F1 Academy Seats as McLaren Doubles Down on Support

November 20, 2025

• ALISHA PALMOWSKI returns to Red Bull’s program after a standout rookie campaign that included a breakthrough win in China and three podiums, proving she’s exactly the kind of talent that deserves continued investment. Meanwhile, RAFAELA FERREIRA gets her second shot with Racing Bulls despite a quieter debut season – because sometimes the real growth happens in year two when the pressure’s off.
• The fresh blood looks promising with 16-year-old LISA BILLARD bringing serious credentials to Gatorade’s program, including becoming the first woman to win in French Junior Karting. ESMEE KOSTERMAN makes history as LEGO Group’s inaugural F1 Academy driver after proving herself with a Ford Fiesta Sprint Cup breakthrough in 2023.
• McLaren’s doubling down on women’s racing with both ELLA LLOYD returning after a third-place rookie season featuring five podiums and a win, plus newcomer ELLA STEVENS joining fresh off her British KZ2 Karting runner-up finish. It’s the kind of expansion that shows teams are finally seeing F1 Academy as more than just a checkbox exercise.

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