Earlier this month, the F1 Academy announced a grid expansion to 18 cars for the 2025 season, marking a significant step forward in the series’ development. The expansion includes the addition of Hitech Grand Prix, a prominent British team with a proven track record in junior motorsport categories.
This move reflects F1 Academy’s continued growth since its inception in 2022 and reinforces its mission to provide a competitive platform for emerging female racing drivers.
Hitech Grand Prix Joins the F1 Academy Grid
Hitech Grand Prix, a team competing in championships such as GB3, British Formula 4, and the Formula Winter Series, will enter the F1 Academy grid with three cars. Two will be designated for full-time drivers, while the third will be allocated to a Wild Card entry—an initiative introduced to provide promising young drivers with valuable racing opportunities.
The Wild Card program, which debuted in 2024, has already proven successful. Drivers like Courtney Crone, Ella Lloyd, and Nina Gademan—all former Wild Card participants—have secured full-time seats for the upcoming season with teams including Haas, McLaren, and Alpine.
A Stronger, More Competitive Field
Hitech Grand Prix joins a distinguished roster of teams, bringing the total grid to six, with each team fielding three cars:
- ART Grand Prix
- Campos Racing
- Rodin Motorsport
- MP Motorsport
- PREMA Racing
- Hitech Grand Prix
These teams are renowned for their experience in top-tier junior series, such as FIA Formula 2 and FIA Formula 3, ensuring a high level of competition and professionalism.
Key Leadership Insights About the F1 Academy Grid Expansion
Susie Wolff, Managing Director of F1 Academy, highlighted the significance of the expansion:
“We are proud to be expanding the F1 Academy grid to 18 cars in just our third season. This growth demonstrates not only the increasing talent pool of female drivers but also the success of F1 Academy as a platform to develop that talent. Hitech Grand Prix’s impressive history in junior racing makes them a strong addition to our series.”
Oliver Oakes, owner of Hitech Grand Prix, expressed his enthusiasm:
“We are delighted to join F1 Academy for the 2025 season. Supporting young girls and women in motorsport is a cause we have always believed in, and participating in this series allows us to take meaningful action. We applaud Susie Wolff’s leadership and the series’ impact on driving real change.”
Driving the Future of Women in Motorsports
The expansion to 18 cars is a testament to F1 Academy’s commitment to fostering the next generation of female racing talent. By increasing grid capacity and introducing initiatives like the Wild Card program, the series is paving the way for young drivers to develop and progress through the motorsport ranks.
As F1 Academy enters its third season, the addition of Hitech Grand Prix and a strengthened competitive field promise an exciting chapter for the series and its rising stars.
Feature Image Credit: Red Bull Content Pool
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