With the anticipation building for the 2024 F1 Academy season, the motorsport world is buzzing with excitement over the announcement of the drivers set to represent the Formula 1 teams. The F1 Academy has become an essential platform for emerging female talents, providing them an opportunity to showcase their skills and gain exposure on the international stage. In a groundbreaking development, Formula 1 teams agreed to sponsor F1 Academy drivers, further solidifying the commitment to nurturing and promoting diversity in motorsports.
F1 Teams to Sponsor F1 Academy Drivers
In an unprecedented move, Formula 1 revealed that starting from the 2024 season, all 10 teams will each have one driver participating in the F1 Academy. This collaboration represents a significant move toward gender diversity and inclusivity in motorsport. Each Formula 1 team will sponsor one F1 Academy driver and have their team livery on the driver’s car, symbolizing a united effort to support emerging talents in the racing world.
Drivers Announced with Team Representation
Bianca Bustamante with McLaren
McLaren has welcomed Bianca Bustamante to the McLaren Driver Development Programme, making her the first female driver to join the programme. Racing with ART Grand Prix, Bustamante has had a successful 2023 season, earning podiums and victories. The 18-year-old Filipina racer is honored to be part of McLaren’s historic team and is determined to establish consistency and compete for the title in the 2024 F1 Academy season.
Abbi Pulling with Alpine
Alpine has announced the return of Abbi Pulling for her second F1 Academy season, racing with Rodin Carlin. Pulling, who achieved seven podiums and finished fifth in the standings in the inaugural season, expressed her gratitude and excitement to continue as an Alpine Academy driver. The 20-year-old British driver is ready to compete in the F1 Academy series and aims for success while racing with Rodin Carlin.
Carrie Schreiner with Sauber
Carrie Schreiner is a German driver that will be returning for her second F1 Academy season, representing Sauber in 2024. After a remarkable first season with a victory at Zandvoort, Schreiner is eager to contribute to Sauber’s rich motorsport history. The 25-year-old driver, now with Campos Racing, expressed her pride in representing Sauber Academy and her determination to win, while also advocating for increased awareness of women in motorsport.
Tina Hausmann with Aston Martin
Aston Martin has chosen Swiss racer Tina Hausmann to represent them in the 2024 F1 Academy season, racing with PREMA Racing. At just 17 years old, Hausmann has already showcased her talent in karting and single-seaters, earning podiums in the Formula Winter Series and victory in the Italian F4 Championship. With the support of Aston Martin and mentorship from Jessica Hawkins, Hausmann is thrilled to embark on her F1 Academy journey.
Lia Block with Williams Racing
Williams Racing has enlisted 17-year-old Lia Block to represent the team in the 2024 F1 Academy season as part of their Driver Academy. Block, the youngest-ever American Rally Association Champion, is transitioning to open-wheel racing with ART Grand Prix. The American racer is enthusiastic about the opportunity and is ready to make the most out of her first full season in open-wheel racing.
Doriane Pin with Mercedes-AMG F1 Team
Doriane Pin, the latest addition to the Mercedes-AMG F1 Team Junior Programme, is set to showcase her talents with PREMA Racing on the 2024 F1 Academy grid. The 20-year-old, transitioning from successful endurance racing, achieved notable victories in the Ferrari Challenge Europe and the FIA World Endurance Championship, making history as the first woman to win the ‘Revelation of the Year’ Award. Pin expresses excitement about her move to single-seaters and the prestigious opportunity with the Mercedes team, supported by Iron Dames.
Chloe Chambers with Haas
Chloe Chambers, the 19-year-old American racer, has been named as the nominated driver for Haas in the 2024 F1 Academy, partnering with Campos Racing. Chambers, known for her karting success and Guinness World Record in 2020, expresses excitement about the opportunity to develop as a driver with the support of Haas. Haas Team Principal, Ayao Komatsu, emphasizes the team’s commitment to promoting diversity and encouraging young girls and women in motorsport.
The 2024 Formula 1 Academy season promises to be a historic and transformative chapter in motorsport, as Formula 1 teams throw their support behind emerging talents. With a diverse and talented lineup, the F1 Academy is set to captivate audiences worldwide, inspiring a new generation of drivers and fans alike. As the countdown to the season begins, the racing community eagerly awaits the unveiling of the complete driver lineup and team liveries, anticipating a thrilling season ahead.
