Autumn Fisher, an 18-year-old Canadian driver, is set to compete in Montreal's F1 Academy round as Standard Chartered's Wild Card. This initiative aims to nurture emerging talent in motorsport.
Autumn Fisher is gearing up to make her mark on the F1 Academy grid this weekend at Montreal's Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. As the chosen Wild Card entry for Round 2 of the 2026 season, Fisher will be flying the flag for Standard Chartered, donning a unique race suit and livery on her #77 car.
The 18-year-old Canadian has previously showcased her skills in the F1 Academy's inaugural rookie test, and her upcoming race debut underscores Standard Chartered's dedication to promoting female talent in motorsport. Her participation is part of a broader initiative, introduced in 2024, aimed at expanding the talent pool and offering drivers valuable race weekend experience. Since its inception, the Wild Card program has successfully paved the way for eight drivers to secure full-time seats on the 2026 grid.
Fisher expressed her enthusiasm for the opportunity: "I’m incredibly excited to be joining the F1 Academy grid in Montreal. This is a huge moment for me, and I’m grateful to F1 Academy and Standard Chartered for the opportunity. I can’t wait to get on track and make the most of the weekend."
Susie Wolff, Managing Director of F1 Academy, praised Standard Chartered's involvement: "We were proud to welcome Standard Chartered to F1 Academy earlier this year, and their support of our Wild Card entry in Montreal shows that commitment in action. Creating opportunities that expand the pathway is at the heart of what we are building, and partnerships like this help turn ambition into access."
Tanuj Kapilashrami, Chief Strategy & Talent Officer at Standard Chartered, echoed this sentiment: "We’re incredibly proud to support Autumn as the Standard Chartered Wild Card for Montreal, leveraging our global brand to champion female talent in motorsport through F1 Academy. When we invest in women and girls through sport, we’re reshaping what leadership, performance, and possibility look like for the next generation. Now is her time! I look forward to joining my Standard Chartered colleagues globally in cheering her on."
The Wild Card initiative continues to be a vital stepping stone for emerging drivers, offering them a platform to shine and potentially secure a spot in future F1 Academy seasons. All eyes will be on Fisher as she takes to the track, with hopes high for a memorable debut.