F1 Academy Expands 2026 Rookie Test with New Training Camp

F1 Academy has announced the return of its Rookie Test for 2026, now with an added dimension: a Rookie Training Camp developed in collaboration with Loughborough University. This dual approach is designed to identify and nurture promising female drivers from a global talent pool.

Following the success of last year's inaugural Rookie Test, where seven drivers secured full-time seats for the 2026 season and two others made Wild Card appearances, the expanded program aims to provide even more robust support. By teaming up with Loughborough University, F1 Academy is equipping the next generation of female racers with both on-track skills and off-track knowledge.

The initiative will delve into scientific insights on female athlete development, focusing on performance progression and the challenges of transitioning to higher levels of competition. This year, 18 aspiring drivers will participate in the Rookie Training Camp from August 25-27 at Loughborough University, followed by the on-track Rookie Test at Circuito de Navarra from September 9-11.

During the training camp, participants will undergo a variety of evaluations, such as physiological profiling and cognitive testing, along with VALD performance screening. They will also attend seminars and workshops led by Loughborough's experts, covering essential topics like strength and conditioning, resilience, and the behaviors crucial for success in elite sports.

When the Rookie Test arrives, these drivers will be immersed in the F1 Academy team environment. They'll gain insights into driver briefings, engineering sessions, and the broader operational demands of high-level junior single-seater racing. Media briefings and assessments will also prepare them for the off-track realities of a professional racing career. The highlight, of course, will be the opportunity to drive F1 Academy cars on track.

Katie Denver, Performance & Talent Development Manager at F1 Academy, noted the importance of this initiative: "The success of our 2025 Rookie Test highlighted the depth of female racing talent and the need for platforms where drivers can showcase their potential. The new Rookie Training Camp, developed with Loughborough University, takes this support further by integrating a science-backed approach to athlete development."

Lou Gear, Director of Sport at Loughborough University, echoed this sentiment: "We are thrilled to partner with F1 Academy, sharing a commitment to unlocking extraordinary potential through talent, hard work, and world-class environments. Our joint efforts will help these drivers prepare for the demands of elite competition, reflecting our shared commitment to advancing women in sport."

The list of drivers selected for the 2026 Rookie Test and Training Camp includes Alexia Danielsson, Rosanne Den Drijver, Jordyn Deza-Martin, Eva Dorrestijn, Victoria Farfus, Autumn Fisher, Zoe Florescu, Luna Fluxa, Yana Kapoor, Kareen Kaur, Carmen Kraav, Ella Lähdemaa, Sara Matsui, Ginevra Panzeri, Kokoro Sato, Milla Sjöstrand, Clara Stiebleichinger, and Sofia Zanfari.

The collaboration between F1 Academy and Loughborough University marks a significant step in supporting female drivers and encouraging more women to pursue excellence in motorsport.