F1 ACADEMY opens the gateway to motorsport’s future through karting

The road to Formula 1 doesn’t begin in a single-seater, but with equal machinery, raw talent and real opportunity.

The journey to the pinnacle of motorsport starts long before Formula 1. And for 2026, F1 ACADEMY is once again underlining that philosophy by opening applications for the Champions of the Future Academy Program, across both its International Series and UK Championship, placing early development, fair access and talent identification at the heart of the project.

Built as a true Arrive and Drive karting platform, the Champions of the Future Academy Program aims to break down the financial and structural barriers of karting, delivering equal equipment, cost control measures and a chassis and engine lottery system that ensures performance is driven by ability, not budget.

The program features three mixed-gender age categories:
Mini 60 (ages 8–12), OK-N Junior (11–14) and OK-N Senior (14–17), positioning itself as one of the most credible talent pipelines in global karting.

The 2026 International Series will span six rounds across Europe and the Middle East, including Spain, Greece, Italy, Oman and Abu Dhabi, while the British Series will contest four rounds at iconic UK venues such as Silverstone and PF International.

Central to the initiative is F1 ACADEMY DISCOVER YOUR DRIVE, which will once again support up to nine female karters — three per category — competing in the International Series, strengthening F1 ACADEMY’s commitment to creating genuine pathways for women in motorsport.

All applicants selected for Discover Your Drive will receive comprehensive development support, including a Driver Development Guide, access to virtual and in-person workshops, direct engagement with F1 ACADEMY Performance and Talent Development Manager Katie Denver, and inclusion in the official F1 ACADEMY Talent Database.

Drivers chosen to officially represent Discover Your Drive in 2026 will receive additional backing, including full branded racewear, official kart livery, a 30% contribution towards entry fees, and ongoing performance guidance throughout the season.

Applications are now open via the Champions of the Future Academy website, while Discover Your Drive candidates must submit their racing CV by January 12, with selected drivers notified on January 16. Late applications will not be considered.

In a sport where opportunity often narrows far too early, F1 ACADEMY continues to widen the entry point, proving that the future of Formula 1 starts not with privilege, but with possibility.