I have yet more race driver development resources for you in this week’s jam-packed Driver Development Roundup. I have tips on making it to F1, driver development programs you can join and scholarships you can win as well as seminars and webinars you can attend. If you want to grow your racing career, keep reading!
Becoming a Professional Race Driver
Enzo Mucci kicked off Season 9 of his podcast with a live episode. “Here I will talk about what I have seen as the most important things to have if you are a racing driver wanting to reach F1. This is how you do it.” Don’t forget to check out the questions on his YouTube feed as there is often follow-up based on questions drivers ask.
There is definitely traction in getting more girls and women involved in motorsport. Here is a roundup of some great articles for you to read that look into the issue and the various solutions and approaches being used or proposed.
- Breaking barriers: Women driving progress in NASCAR and beyond (NASCAR)
- Red Bull Academy Programme and Rokt Are Fueling Alisha Palmowski’s Formula 1 Dreams (WWD)
- Feeling the effects – the impact of F1 Academy (Autosport)
- Collins’ ‘very different’ F1 female driver ‘problem’ after Patrick’s controversial comments (Planet F1)
- Advancing female representation in Formula 1 racing (Sportcal)
Speaking of supporting women in motorsport, Shift Up Now is holding a virtual Open House on April 22nd. The Open House is for everyone, so whether you’re a race fan, a driver, an ally for women in motorsports or you just want to share your thoughts on making Shift Up Now Membership epic, they want to see you there. You can get more details here.
The March 13th episode of the Motorsport Coaching Podcast features Sam Silvestro. Episode Highlights include:
- Racing Opportunities: Learn about the 2025 calendar event and how ESP Sport Racing makes it easier for potential racers to get involved, regardless of their experience level.
- Sam’s Journey: With over 40 years in motorsport, Sam shares his incredible journey from club events to running a business with a broad footprint in the motorsport industry.
- Formula RX8: Discover why this one-make series is gaining traction as a pivotal stepping stone for young racers and what makes these cars stand out on the track.
- Leasing vs. Owning: Sam explains the benefits of leasing a race car, especially for those grassroots athletes eyeing their next big break.
- Motorsport Evolution: How has race car preparation changed over the years? Sam provides insight into the trends and advancements in race car safety and technology.
You can listen to the podcast episode here.
Rob Smedley is a guest on Episode 51 of the Harvard Data Science Review Podcast where he talks about The Most Data-Driven Formula for Success: Formula 1.
“This month, we’re delving into the thrilling world of Formula 1 racing—a high-octane blend of speed and data analytics that drives innovation both on and off the track. Joining us is Rob Smedley, renowned F1 race engineer and strategist with extensive experience at Ferrari, Williams, and the Formula One Group. We’ll discuss Rob’s journey into this fascinating sport, how data shapes race strategies and driver development, and the biggest transformations AI has brought to Formula 1. Whether you’re a motorsports fan, data scientist, or simply curious about cutting-edge technology, join us to explore how data fuels Formula 1’s future.”
Listen here: Podbean | Apple | Spotify | Amazon Music | Audible
OptimumG (with Claude Rouelle), Performance Prime (with Jacques Dallaire), and Fit4Race (with Zsolt Matics) are joining forces to create the most complete seminar ever. “This unique collaboration brings together world-class expertise in vehicle dynamics, human performance, and physical conditioning to elevate drivers’ skills to the next level. We believe that true competitive advantage emerges when humans and machines operate in perfect synergy — physically, mentally, and technically.”
Designed for:
– Race and Rally car drivers, including e-drivers
– Race and Rally car engineers
– Data analysis and Performance engineers
– Team managers
– Driver’s coaches
And all of those who want to learn about
– How to apply a holistic and comprehensive approach that integrates both driver and car performance.
– Learn what drivers’ KPIs are and how they help to observe, analyze, compare, and improve drivers’ lap time and lap time consistency.
– Advice on how to feel, remember, and describe the car behavior in the driver–engineer communication.
– Develop focus, decision-making, and reaction time under high-pressure situations.
– Improve mental resilience to maintain peak performance throughout a race weekend.
– Understand the physical demands of racing and train for endurance and strength.
– Learn techniques to control stress and anxiety for better consistency and confidence.
– And much more!
From October 31st to November 2nd, in Indianapolis, IN, USA for PROFESSIONALS: https://lnkd.in/dujRN7Fe?
From October 17th to October 19th, in Budapest, HU for STUDENTS: https://lnkd.in/dukCqDMe?
This seminar, co-presented by Optimum G (www.optimumg.com) , Performance Prime (www.DrDallaire.co) , and Fit4Race (www.Fit4Race.com) – three major companies deeply involved in motorsport worldwide – will bring together world-class expertise in vehicle dynamics, mental skills training, and physical conditioning to elevate drivers’ skills to the next level. We believe that true competitive advantage emerges where human and machine operate in perfect synergy – physically, mentally, and technically.
Find out more and register for this one-of-a-kind event by clicking on the QR code above.
Samir Abid of Your Data Driven has three suggestions on how you can break into motorsport. You can read what they are here.
In the high-stakes world of motorsport, where every millisecond counts, the unique strengths of neurodiverse individuals—such as those with autism, ADHD, and dyslexia—can offer invaluable advantages. This article by Maja Czarzasty-Zybert explores how embracing neurodiversity not only enhances team dynamics but also drives innovation and strategic thinking, potentially transforming the future of racing.
Feeder Series takes a look at the French F4 series after the recent test sessions at the Le Mans track. The series is getting a positive reputation for producing great young drivers at a reasonable budget.
“The Fédération Française du Sport Automobile (FFSA) includes two compulsory testing days at Le Mans, two steps away from the FFSA Academy headquarters, in the full-season package. Multiple drivers were, however, able to test on several other occasions in first- or second-generation F4 machinery over the winter, with Feed Racing and the Winfield Racing School being the most popular programmes amongst the drivers.”
You can read the Feeder Series report here.
Driver Development Program News & Resources
The Lucas Oil Scholarship Championship Series has announced their 2025 scholarship prize, a full 2026 USF2000 season race drive. Entries are limited to 15 seats and are open now. Get all the details here.
The FF Corse GT Driver Academy has selected their 2025 members. The FF Corse GT Driver Academy, in association with Grand Prix Racewear and iZone, provides an excellent foundation for young drivers looking to make a professional career in motorsport.
Each year, we select a limited number of talented young drivers who are interested in understanding more about the options for race drivers in the world of Ferrari GT Racing, and about developing a career path.
The Academy participants are carefully selected by our panel of experts, comprising current and former racers, including Ferrari Challenge World Final Winner, Tom Fleming, who graduated from the Academy in 2022.
The selected Academy drivers receive help and advice throughout the year, and they are eligible for special discounts and prizes from Grand Prix Racewear and iZone.
It is free to join and participate in the FF Corse GT Driver Academy, and at the end of the year, drivers are offered the opportunity to test a Ferrari Challenge car on track, (subject to age, license and insurance conditions).
You can read all about the 2025 members here.
Is your daughter a talented young female driver with big ambitions in motorsport? More than Equal is looking for the next generation of elite racing talent to join our 2025 Driver Development Programme—a world-class initiative designed to find and develop the first female Formula 1 World Champion.
We are seeking female drivers aged 13-16 with proven international-level karting experience who are ready to take the next step in their racing careers. Our programme provides cutting-edge training, expert coaching, and unparalleled support to help young drivers reach the highest levels of motorsport. If your daughter has the talent, dedication, and determination to compete at the top, apply now for her to be part of this game-changing opportunity.
Apply here!
For decades, the racing world has been mostly a men’s game. But now, Porsche is putting some real horsepower behind changing that. Their Female Driver Program is back for its third season in North America, and it’s already helping more women get behind the wheel and onto the podium. The Weekly Journal looks into the program.
Speaking of Porsche, 2025 Porsche juniors Alessandro Ghiretti and Theo Oeverhaus are looking forward to an entertaining season: In 2025, the two young drivers sponsored by Porsche Motorsport will compete in both the international Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup and the eight race weekends of the Porsche Sixt Carrera Cup Deutschland. A total of 24 starts each with the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup is at hand for the two of them. Gert more details on their program directly from Porsche here.
From the Sim Racing Roundup
Can sim racing help ‘proper’ racers? That is one of the issues covered in last week’s Sim Racing Roundup. I also have news on the next phase of Racing Prodigy’s mission to develop real-world drivers out of sim racers, why you suck at passing and much more!
Karting News
Petrolicious interviews Ferdi Porsche on F.A.T., Porsche, and Finding the next F1 Phenom. “This year, we are bringing (the F.A.T. Karting League) to the U.S. for the first time. In the coming years, we are expanding to Asia and the Middle East. The goal is really to create a platform for everybody to start racing. Obviously, it still comes at a certain price, so it is not yet for everybody, but that is how democratization works. You start at some point and then you try to push it down and down.”
Wondering where your favourite F1 driver got their start in motorsport? Odds are it was in one of the many kart series around the world. Feeder Series gives you the lowdown on the feeder discipline to junior single-seaters as the most prominent series, the FIA Karting European Championship, kicks off its 2025 season.
Driver Development Pathways
The ELMS paddock in recent years has become a real draw for young talent, with drivers from across the globe flocking to the LMP2 and LMP3 classes, all keen to impress and climb the sportscar ladder to the promised land of Hypercar and GTP. One of those is 17-year-old British racer Alfie Briggs, who is yet to make a race start in the series but has spent the past 12 months in and around the paddock, soaking up knowledge ahead of a planned transition to a full-season seat in 2026.
Daily Sportscar profiles Alfie and his motorsport journey so far.
KULR chronicles Paul Fullick, an army vet amputee who has defied the odds to become a competitive race car driver. “I was desperate to go back to motorcycle racing but my surgeon wasn’t keen for me to go back to it,” he continued. “I had a friend in the Army who said they knew this company, Team BRIT. Three weeks after my leg came off, I was trialling one of their test cars at Brands Hatch in Kent – not long after my accident. I wanted to get straight back and push on. It was a really good result for me. It allowed me to focus on that as part of my recovery.” Read more about Paul here.
Atiqa Mir is the first Indian and Asian to be signed by F1 Academy for its driver program and ABC Asia has her story. “My dad was India’s first national karting champion and that really inspired me to start karting as well because I loved cars since… I don’t know… since I was born! I would always play with cars and when I saw my dad’s racing trophies, I knew I wanted to race and win too,” said Atiqa.
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.
