F1 is making moves to empower those with less access to racing opportunities, primarily women. News broke on Thursday that spells optimism for the F1 Academy’s future, as all the teams on the F1 grid are getting involved in a goodwill initiative.
Cadillac Joins Teams in Female Empowerment Move at F1 Academy
F1 and the F1 Academy announced that all 10 current teams on the grid have committed to sponsoring a driver and a livery in a multi-year deal in the all-female series. Moreover, Cadillac, which is joining the F1 grid next year, will also add to the grid’s commitment from 2027.
This development supports the growing pool of drivers competing for a place in F4. Drivers showing strong potential also have the opportunity to capitalize on an exemption to race in a third season if they competed in the previous two.
🚨 A milestone moment.
Every @F1 team has recommitted to supporting a driver and livery in F1 Academy as part of a long term partnership.
Cadillac Formula 1 Team will join the grid from 2027, helping drive even more opportunity and visibility for women in motorsport.… pic.twitter.com/bkzfgSDshL
— F1 Academy (@f1academy) November 13, 2025
The academy has experienced exponential growth since its launch in 2023, including races being broadcast in 170 regions worldwide and a Netflix series, “F1: The Academy,” produced by Hollywood star Reese Witherspoon’s production company, Hello Sunshine.
Mercedes F1 team principal Toto Wolff’s wife, Susie, who serves as the managing director of the F1 Academy, commended the collaboration with F1.
“The commitment of long-term support from all ten current Formula 1 teams, and the addition of Cadillac to our grid from 2027, sends a powerful message about the future of F1 ACADEMY,” she said. “We’re not just providing a platform for the current generation of female drivers; together, we’re building a pathway to support generations of talent to come.”
She mentioned the strong pool of talent that is emerging and believes that allowing drivers to race for up to three seasons will go a long way in developing female talent in the sport.
F1 has lagged behind NASCAR in terms of female inclusivity in the sport. The last time a woman raced in F1 was back in 1992, when Brabham signed Giovanna Amati. However, she failed to qualify in each of the first three races and was replaced by eventual world champion Damon Hill after the Brazilian Grand Prix.
Before Amati, South African Desire Wilson was the last woman to step into a Formula 1 car. But she experienced a similar failure after getting a shot at Brands Hatch for the 1980 British Grand Prix. Just like Amati, her qualifying lap was too far off the pole position, and she didn’t qualify for the race, which Alan Jones won in the Williams.
