F1 Academy will be conquering Zandvoort in just their fourth race weekend of the 2024 season. Rookie driver Maya Weug has used this landmark to reflect on her season with PREMA Racing and the Ferrari Driver Academy thus far.
Photo Credit: Scuderia Ferrari
In the world of motorsport, every second counts, making the journey to the top insanely challenging for many drivers. Many driver academies and the several feeder series they compete in are becoming increasingly vital for the stars of the future.
Maya Weug is a promising member of the Ferrari Drivers Academy who is currently racing with PREMA in her rookie season of F1 Academy. The Dutch driver provided a much needed insight into the importance of these programs supporting the next generation of motorsport talent, regardless of their gender.
F1 Academy critics silenced
F1 Academy has been described as a series designed to promote female drivers and provide them with the necessary exposure and experience to hopefully venture closer to Formula 1. When asked about the “step back” from Formula Regional to F1 Academy, Weug affirmed her belief that many underestimate the power and reach of F1 Academy.
“I don’t think it was a step back. In the end, F1 Academy is a series that I think the level is really high this season and probably people underestimate it.”
Photo Credit: Scuderia Ferrari
Explaining this further, Maya believes that F1 Academy not only gives female drivers a platform to showcase their talent and skills. But also plays a critical role in increasing their visibility within the motorsports world.
“In the end, I think it’s also a championship that gives you a lot of reach. And for sponsors, it’s always difficult to find the budget every season. “
“Having that reach and media attention helps us as drivers to be able to then proceed into other series and have that support from backing to help us into other categories and in racing in general.”
Therefore, the media attention and sponsorship opportunities that come with participating in the F1 Academy are instrumental in helping female drivers secure the backing they need to progress to higher levels of competition.
Driver Academies. What do they do?
Photo Credit: Scuderia Ferrari
Beyond the F1 Academy, Weug’s journey has been significantly shaped by her involvement with the Ferrari Driver Academy. The support from Formula 1 Teams stretches far beyond just the financial aspects. The Dutch driver has been a key member of the academy for four years now, reflecting on the wealth of knowledge around her.
“Making the move from Karting to single-seaters and being apart of an academy has helped me massively.”
“Having so many people that have so much experience and knowledge was something that I really needed in the first years coming from karting.”
These driver academies not only provide invaluable information for rising talents, they’re able to invoke a sense of ‘pride’ amongst them. Weug highlights this when mentioning the joy faced when she sees her car livery.
“And yeah, of course, having the full red car is something really special this year.”
Maya Weug’s experiences demonstrate that F1 Academy has evidently made the correct adjustments to the series in its second season. Having all fifteen drivers backed by an F1 team or sponsor has enabled these young drivers to be given a greater platform to showcase their talents. Additionally, the use of driver academies help to raise the next generation of talent with valuable information and opportunities to succeed in the higher categories of motorsport.
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Featured Image Credit: PREMA Racing