The F1 Academy has completed its first all-rookie test and this week’s Driver Development Roundup has the details. I also have details on a free New Zealand driver development program and why being a race driver is not just about money plus much more!
Overview
Becoming a Professional Race Driver
F1 Academy Rookie Test: The Latest Step in Shaping Female Racing Talent
F1 Academy held its first-ever rookie test last week, with 18 drivers selected to complete a day of running after the F1 Academy drivers take to the Circuito de Navarra for two test days of their own. Feeder Series spoke with Katie Denver, F1 Academy’s performance and talent development manager, about her role and her vision for the rookie test.
“On track, technical and tactical development is key – we want quick drivers behind the wheel. But I think the things that really stand out is that motorsport is such a mental game,” Denver told Feeder Series at a media session on the eve of the rookie test. “How you hold your nerve, how you deal with pressure, how you pick yourself back up when things aren’t going so well. And then a lot of that comes down to performance psychology and mental skills development.”
The F1 Academy successfully concluded its inaugural Rookie Test at the Circuito de Navarra in Spain, with British racer Ella Stevens topping the timesheets in a competitive field.
The Ginetta Driver Development Program
To help drivers of all levels we have created the Ginetta Driver Development programme, operated by our pro racing drivers at our very own test facility, Blyton Park in Lincolnshire. Get all the details here.
The F1 Academy Alumnae Guiding the Series’ New Crop of Young Women
Starting in 2024, each F1 team has been required to back an F1 Academy driver, running their livery on her car and lending them valuable support behind the scenes. But they aren’t the only entities providing the series’ young female drivers with mentorship. Feeder Series spoke to Ella Lloyd and Emma Felbermayr about the figures who have helped them during their first F1 Academy seasons.
No, It Doesn’t Just Take Money
Ross Bentley of Speed Secrets explains how it doesn’t just take money to succeed in motorsport. “I wrote a social media post a week or so ago, saying that many drivers with the skills and talent to go far in the sport didn’t because they weren’t willing to put in the effort, and sacrifice what it took to make it to the top.” Read why he thinks that those who say its just about money don’t understand the work that drivers need to put in to succeed.
Driver Development Program News & Resources
Motorsport New Zealand Introduces Ignite Motorsport Club
A new pathway for young drivers! New Zealand rally legend Hayden Paddon and MotorSport New Zealand have teamed up to launch Ignite Motorsport Club; a completely free initiative that gives young Kiwis the chance to experience motorsport in a safe and controlled environment.
This program is about more than just fun behind the wheel. It’s about:
- Building critical car control skills
- Reducing risky behavior on public roads
- Creating a pathway into motorsport for the next generation
Get more details on the program here.
Hayden Paddon and Scott O’Donnell appointed to Elite MotorSport Academy Trust
Hayden Paddon and Scott O’Donnell have been appointed as trustees of the MotorSport New Zealand Scholarship Trust, the trust that oversees the world-renowned Elite MotorSport Academy of New Zealand.
More than Equal Launches Advisory Board to Accelerate Female Talent in Motorsport
More than Equal, a global high-performance motorsport program with a mission to find and develop the first female Formula 1 world champion, has announced the formation of its inaugural Advisory Board. The move represents a major step forward in More than Equal’s growth, bringing together some of the most respected figures across motorsport, sports and performance, media, technology, and business to support and champion its mission.
Ginetta Junior Scholarship Qualifying Days Set For October
Ginetta Motorsport has announced that the qualifying days for the 2026 Ginetta Junior Scholarship are set to take place at Blyton Park in October. The qualifying days will test candidates across three areas: driving ability, fitness and resilience, and media skills. No prior race license, car, or racing kit is required to participate, making the event accessible to a wide variety of young drivers. They will take place on 17th and 18th October, before the winner is revealed a day later.
The winner will receive full entry into the 2026 Ginetta Junior Championship, use of a Ginetta Junior car for the entire season, professional team support at each race, a season’s supply of tyres and fuel, and a Ginetta-branded race suit. It’s an eye-catching prize package worth in excess of £100,000
Last Week on The Business of Being a Race Driver
Motorsport Sponsorship Tips, Tools and Webinars
Motorsport sponsorship tips, tools and webinars are the focus of last week’s Business of Being a Race Driver. I also had details on a free guide to writing a sponsorship deck, how sponsorship can support promising motorsport talent and much more!
From the Sim Racing Roundup
Using a Simulator for Driver Development
Using a simulator for driver development is one of the topics covered in last week’s Sim Racing Roundup. You will also understand why Max Verstappen and Gabriel Bortoleto are such fans of sim racing, get the latest sim racing developments and much more!
Driver Journeys
Rolex Presents: Jamie Chadwick – The Road Ahead
Louis-Philippe Dumoulin: A Career Built on Passion and an Exceptional Partnership
Three-time NASCAR Canada Series champion and 2011 Canadian Motorsports Hall of Fame inductee, Louis-Philippe Dumoulin, is a cornerstone of Canadian motorsport. Originally from Trois-Rivières, he grew up in an environment where mechanics and racing were part of everyday life. NASCAR Canada explains his motorsport journey.
Super Trofeo, GT3 the “Best Decision” For Colin Queen’s Future
Colin Queen said returning to racing in the U.S. and joining the Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America grid was the “best decision” he could have made as he aims to advance in his sports car racing career. Sportscar365 explains why.
Author: Mark Boudreau
Mark is the publisher of Motorsport Prospects. As a lawyer, he applies his legal background and research skills to assist race drivers by showcasing the resources they need to make their motorsport careers happen.
