2026 marks the beginning of the F1 Academy with its first round in Shanghai, China, from March 13 to 15. This competition, dedicated to female drivers, will take place as a support event for the Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix.
The weekend will start with a 40-minute practice session and a 30-minute qualifying on Friday. Both Saturday and Sunday will feature one race per day, each with a distance of 13 laps.
F1 Academy Schedule in Shanghai
The key times for the F1 Academy are as follows:
Friday, March 13
- Free Practice: 09:10 – 09:50 (local time)
- Qualifying: 14:10 – 14:40 (local time)
Saturday, March 14
- Race 1: 13:45 – 14:20 (local time)
Sunday, March 15
- Race 2: 10:40 – 11:15 (local time)
How to follow the F1 Academy in Shanghai
Fans will be able to follow the F1 Academy season live via F1 TV and the official F1 Academy YouTube channel. In the UK, Sky Sports F1 will broadcast the races, and in the United States, they will be available via Apple.
Teams and Drivers of the F1 Academy 2026
The season will feature six teams, each with three drivers. Additionally, each Formula 1 team will support at least one driver.
- PREMA Racing: Mathilda Paatz, Payton Westcott, Natalia Granada
- Campos Racing: Megan Bruce, Rafaela Ferreira, Alisha Palmowski
- MP Motorsport: Nina Gademan, Alba Larsen, Esmee Kosterman
- Rodin Motorsport: Emma Felbermayr, Ella Lloyd, Ella Stevens
- ART Grand Prix: Lisa Billard, Kaylee Countryman, Jade Jacquet
- Hitech: Wei Shi, Ava Dobson, Rachel Robertson
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