From karting in Arizona to the Formula 1 paddock, a rising American talent begins her next chapter on the global stage.

Kaylee Countryman has been confirmed as part of the 2026 F1 ACADEMY grid, becoming the tenth driver announced for next season after Haas revealed that the American racer will represent the team in the all-female championship.

Born in Chandler, Arizona, Countryman’s racing journey began just three years ago, fittingly on her birthday. She started out in four-stroke Briggs & Stratton LO206 karting, where she quickly made an impression with multiple podium finishes, including a second-place result at a national event in California, alongside a strong showing at the Grand Nationals in Indiana.

Her development gathered pace in 2023, as she transitioned into two-stroke karting and international competition, joining J3 Competition and becoming a factory driver for CompKart, marking a significant step in her technical and competitive growth.

In 2025, Countryman moved into single-seaters, competing in USF Juniors with Exclusive Autosport. One of just three female drivers in a 22-car field, she recorded four top-10 finishes, while also making two appearances in the USF2000 Championship and taking part in F1 ACADEMY in-season testing at Navarra.

Next season, Countryman will race in F1 ACADEMY with ART Grand Prix, a team renowned for its pedigree in junior categories. Alongside her F1 ACADEMY campaign, she will continue to build experience in USF2000, once again with Exclusive Autosport, ensuring valuable additional track time.

At just 15 years old, turning 16 in January 2026, Countryman expressed her excitement about the opportunity:
“I’m so thrilled to be given the chance to represent Haas F1 Team and ART Grand Prix in F1 ACADEMY for 2026. I’m really looking forward to taking the next step in my career and learning in such a professional environment.”

She also highlighted the significance of the championship itself:
“I’m especially excited about the circuits we’ll be racing at around the world and being part of everything F1 ACADEMY stands for. The test with ART was very productive, and I’m eager to build on that as we go racing in 2026.”

Haas Team Principal Ayao Komatsu welcomed the young driver with optimism:
“We’re delighted to welcome Kaylee Countryman to represent us in F1 ACADEMY from next season. Her personality and passion for the sport are infectious, and we want to make sure she has everything she needs to flourish, whether that’s access to our resources, our people, or guidance along the way.”

He added:
“I truly believe that together we can achieve some exciting things on track. We’re very pleased to have Kaylee with us and look forward to seeing her development as a driver in F1 ACADEMY.”

With the backing of Haas, the expertise of ART Grand Prix, and a parallel program in North American single-seaters, Kaylee Countryman enters F1 ACADEMY as one of the most closely watched young prospects heading into 2026.