American Express have officially announced that Ava Dobson will represent the F1 ACADEMY Official Partner (the all-female, single-make championship designed to develop female talent toward top-level motorsport) on the 2026 grid.

The 17-year-old American becomes the fourth Wild Card entry from last season to secure a full-time seat, following her debut in the series at Miami, her home event. In 2026, Dobson will continue racing in a Hitech-operated car (with the team responsible for the car’s engineering, preparation, and trackside operations).

Dobson’s single-seater career began in 2023, when she competed in the Formula 4 United States Championship, alongside appearances in USF Juniors and the USF2000 Championship, key steps within the American driver development ladder. The following year, she raced in Europe for the first time, completing a two-round program in the GB4 Championship.

Returning for the 2025 season, Dobson made a significant competitive step forward by securing her maiden podium at Donington Park, a result that saw her finish as the highest-scoring female driver of the year, underlining her continued progression.

Reacting to her confirmation, Dobson said: “I am really excited to be going with F1 ACADEMY this year with American Express. I’m truly super honoured to be chosen to race in the series and to have such an amazing partnership with American Express.”

She added: “I can’t wait to keep building on that throughout the whole year, working really hard with the team and with American Express to be the best we can be.”

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