Stand out in 2026! That’s just some of the advice you will get in this first Driver Development Roundup of 2026. You will also learn how “gentleman drivers” pick their pro co-drivers, why extending F1 Academy’s 2-year rule may be counterproductive and much more!
Overview
Becoming a Professional Race Driver
You Need to Stand Out!
The Legacy of Helmut Marko
Following Helmut Marko’s departure, Guillaume ‘Rocky’ Rocquelin has become the primary point of contact for the Red Bull Junior Team, Red Bull Racing confirmed to GPblog. Mark Hughes of The Race looks back at the legacy of Helmut Marko. “I get a lot of shit about the drivers we drop,” he smiled once, “but most of those guys even though they might not make it to F1 go on to make several hundred thousand a year as professional racers, which they probably wouldn’t have done without our help.”
F1 and Money: How Isack Hadjar Defied a System Locked by Money
Having been promoted to Red Bull alongside Max Verstappen, 21-year-old Frenchman Isack Hadjar reflects on a journey fraught with financial obstacles. Between sacrifices, frustrations, and crucial support from Red Bull, he sheds light on a reality often kept silent about motorsport. “F3 and F2 are costs you can’t afford. My mother found sponsors, Red Bull took care of the rest. Without them, it would have been over.”
Ginetta Alumni Enjoy Global Success In 2025
2025 has proved to be another hugely successful year for Ginetta graduates, with drivers who cut their teeth in Ginetta’s domestic championships producing exceptional performances in leading single-seater, GT, sportscar and touring car competition across the globe this season. Her is a look at what Ginetta alumni were up to this past year.
Ginetta Junior Runner-Up Fred Green to Contest GB4 with Elite in 2026
Fred Green will move from Elite Motorsport’s Ginetta Junior line-up to its GB4 squad for 2026. Green, nephew of former DTM racer and 2004 Formula 3 Euro Series champion Jamie Green, will make his first steps into single-seater racing after starring in Ginetta’s entry-level sportscar series this year.
Having been chosen as Ginetta Junior’s scholarship driver for 2025, the 16-year-old became the most successful scholar in the program’s history by amassing nine wins, seven of which were in the last nine races, to be championship runner-up.
How Gentlemen Drivers Pick their Pros
Art in Racing: Community Steps in Where Motorsport Falls Short
The Voice profiles award-winning artist Elicia McKenzie joins forces with two promising British drivers as trio creativity into a pathway for opportunity, visibility and much-needed support in motorsport through the Art in Racing Project.
“This is why Art in Racing feels so important. It stands as a declaration that talent exists everywhere, even if opportunity does not. And on a quiet Thursday evening in Brixton, a private audience gathered inside The Department Store to witness award-winning visual artist Elicia McKenzie, two extraordinary young drivers, and a community determined to push open the doors of motorsport together.”
Introducing the 2026 Skip Barber Race Series Winter Shootout
The 2026 Skip Barber Race Series Winter Shootout is a two-day, program structured around instruction, consistency, adaptability, and coach-ability in alignment with Skip Barber’s learning-first philosophy.
The Shootout will be held at Circuit of the Americas on January 31 & February 1, 2026 and utilize the Skip Barber Formula Car. Three winners will be chosen with the Grand Prize being a half-season entry in the 2026 Skip Barber Race Series. Full details can be found here: https://www.skipbarber.com/2026-skip-barber-race-series-winter-shootout/
Why Extending F1 Academy’s 2-Year Rule May Be Counterproductive
F1 Academy has been the most influential force behind the surge in female participation in F4 worldwide. Racers Behind the Helmet has analyzed data from F4 progression paths and compared it with F1 Academy, which suggests that further adjustments are needed to ensure that female talents’ progression is not delayed.
“To date, no driver with F1 Academy on their résumé has reached FIA Formula 3 or FIA Formula 2, mirroring the outcome of W Series before it. That criticism is often raised with a reason, but it must be also acknowledged that F1 Academy is still in its infancy. Meaningful evaluation requires a longer-term view, particularly as the overall talent pool entering the pyramid has expanded significantly since the series’ launch.”
Read their full analysis here.
Winfield Racing School Launches Race Team
After years of detecting and developing young talents, Winfield proudly launched its own racing team in 2025, Winfield Racing. They are currently competing in the Ultimate Cup Series, in the Hoosier Formula Cup with F3R Tatuus.
“No more “what ifs”. Here, you gain exposure, build your network, and develop the skills that turns drivers into champions. Every member drives each other forward. We push you beyond your limits, challenge your potential, and ensure you reach your goals.”
Seats are now open, You can get full details here.
DSC Names PJ Hyett As 2025 Amateur Driver of the Year
In a year punctuated by the success of American Bronze drivers, one stands above the rest and Daily Sportscar has named that driver as PJ Hyett. “Ultimately, we went with Hyett, who has improved so much since his first GT World Challenge America races at Watkins Glen in 2022. Since he shifted from GT to prototype racing in 2024, Hyett has had incredible speed, his four straight IMSA pole positions were a testament to that, but there was always room to improve.”
Racing Women 2026 Programs
Racing Women have announced a number of programs for 2026. The first is their Training Day featuring on-track training with professional 1-to-1 coaching and performance analysis. There are currently two dates scheduled for January at the Bedford Autodrome and Donington Park Circuit in the UK. Full details can be found here.
The second program is their brand new Racing Women Elite. “Many of the recent competitors who came so close to making the finals in Sweden have expressed their interest in the various Racing Women training programs. So, in 2026, we are launching the Racing Women Elite program, a curated pathway with closer mentoring, structured performance targets and tailored guidance on testing, licensing, series selection and sponsorship readiness. The RWE program is designed to create individual bespoke training and management for those of you who are serious about continuing your racing journey. If you feel that this could be something for you, reach out to us for more information at: https://www.racingw.com/contact-us.”
Charlotte Traynor on Her MX-5 Cup Scholarship Win and Prototype Dream
Fresh off her monumental win of the 2025 Women in Motorsports MX-5 Cup Scholarship, 19-year-old Charlotte Traynor joins RACER’s The Creative Drive podcast from the PRI Show to discuss her career to date and her motorsport dreams going forward.
“Charlotte opens up about her unconventional journey into racing—from a family of pilots to a competitive gymnast—and the moment she knew a race car was her calling. She details how a chance encounter led her to the Mazda MX-5 Cup, a highly competitive and strategic series under the IMSA banner.”
Fred Vesti on Life as a Mercedes Reserve Driver and His Plan to Reach the F1 Grid
After a hot lap of the Las Vegas Strip Circuit, Mercedes reserve driver Fred Vesti tells F1.com about what his role entails and how he plans to make his Formula 1 dream happen.
“I think for any young driver, the FP1s are very valuable,” he concedes. “It’s a way to showcase our talent as young drivers, but it’s also a way to embed ourselves with the team. The work we do in the sim, it’s a chance to test if those theories actually work out in real life.”
How I Entered Indian Motorsport as a Beginner
BHPian SupraConscious recently shared background of how he entered Indian Motorsport as a beginner. “I got an insight into the current motorsport trend in India, how to grow in it, and what exactly you need to do to become a racecar driver. I would suggest that interested individuals who want to race can check their profile out for initial experience, as they give out a platform to anybody who wants to get into racing. This team wants to grow, and they have the vision to take motorsport to the next level.”
Introducing USOWN Scout, a New IndyCar Prospect Analysis Website
Eddie Fuhrer of Open US Open Wheel Racing has announced the launch of USOWN Scout, a fully searchable database of advanced analytics to track IndyCar prospects who have competed in the USF Pro Championships from 2015-2025.
USOWN Scout’s full explanation of every metric that appears on a driver’s page and methodological considerations are available here.
Driver Development Program News & Resources
FF Corse GT Driver Academy and Test Drive Event
Motorsport UK Academy Applications Open for 2026
In place of Motorsport UK’s Futures program, they have launched 3 new academies: Kart, Rally and Race. Open to Drivers & Co drivers who are looking to elevate their development. Head to https://www.motorsportuk.org/the-sport/motorsport-uk-academy/ to find out more info and how to apply. Applications for 2026 are now open.
Radical Academy Canada Scholarship Announced
Road to Racing Canada and Radical Canada East have announced the Radical Academy Canada Scholarship – a national driver development program built to move Canada’s most promising female racers from potential to professional preparation.
“This program only exists if people help fund it,” says R2R President Neil Braun. “We’re putting a real pathway in place for elite female drivers.”
Designed around performance, progression, and opportunity, the scholarship blends modern training, real track time, and career development with one clear goal: preparing athletes to compete at the highest levels of racing.
“We’ve built the most complete development platform for emerging Canadian women racers,” adds Radical Academy Canada founder April Burgess. “The athletes deserve that level of commitment.”
Full details can be found at the Radical Canada East website.
Kulwicki Driver Development Program Begins North American Search for 2026 ‘Underbirds’
Applications are being accepted for the 2026 season of the Kulwicki Driver Development Program, a North American initiative to help the top short-track stock car drivers achieve their dreams while keeping alive the legacy of 1992 NASCAR Cup champion and NASCAR Hall of Fame member Alan Kulwicki. The application deadline is January 23, 2026, at midnight ET.
“Five drivers will be selected to participate in the season-long competition for the 2026 Kulwicki Cup. Known as “Underbirds” in honor of Kulwicki’s 1992 championship Ford which was named the Underbird, the drivers will be judged on race results, off-track civic participation, program promotion, fan interaction, and stewardship of Alan Kulwicki’s story. Crew members from Kulwicki’s 1992 Cup championship team will be advisors to the five finalists.”
For additional information on the Kulwicki Driver Development Program, please visit the official website at www.kulwickiddp.com. The program can be followed on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
Karting
Porsche Motorsport NA Partners With K1 Speed To Create Talent Pathway
Porsche Motorsport North America and K1 Speed have announced a multi-year partnership that offers champion kart racers an opportunity to enter the North American Porsche Motorsport Pyramid through Porsche Sprint Challenge North America or Porsche Sprint Challenge USA West.
“K1 Speed hosts thousands of motorsports enthusiasts each year and all of us at PMNA look forward to connecting with them,” said Porsche Motorsport North America President and CEO Volker Holzmeyer.
“Whether they are casual fans of motorsport or are searching for a path into professional racing, we are excited to introduce them all to the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid and the opportunities that it offers.”
Applications Now Open for British Champions of the Future Academy Program
Applications are now open for young karters to sign up for the 2026 British Champions of the Future Academy Program, with F1 ACADEMY also looking for talented young female karters to represent F1 ACADEMY DISCOVER YOUR DRIVE in the series next year. Full details can be found here.
68% Growth: Strategic Miracle or Favorable Circumstances?
A recent FIA Instagram post highlighted a 68% increase in karting engagement during the 2021-2024 mandate, a finding based on an undeniable accounting reality according to Kart.com. “However, an expert reading of our sport’s dynamics invites us to explore the various components of this success. By cross-referencing these results with data from the International Karting Ranking (IKR), we can attempt to distinguish what stems from federal strategy and what belongs to a particularly favorable economic climate.”
Last Week on The Business of Being a Race Driver
What’s Your Elevator Pitch?
What’s your elevator pitch? If you don’t have one, or don’t know what one is, the last Business of Being a Race Driver for 2025 will explain. I also have more motorsport sponsorship tips and advice!
From the Sim Racing Roundup
How Sim Work Got the Cadillac F1 Team Up to Speed
How sim work got the Cadillac F1 up to speed is just one of the real-world topics in the last Sim Racing Roundup of 2025. I also have a look at the new Nissan Formula E sim rig, how the Porsche Junior Shootout uses sim racing in its selection process and more!
Driver Journeys
The ‘Balance’ Filipino Racer David Found in Focusing on Japan Over Europe
Zachary David made the atypical move from Formula Regional Europe to Super Formula Lights this year despite having offers to step up to F3 and F2, and he is now gearing up for his first test in Super Formula machinery recently. The Filipino spoke to Feeder Series about his career so far and the reasons he decided to race closer to his home country despite cultivating a promising career in European motorsport.
“I don’t think Europe was the play or the direction we would move for the future,” David added, “and we started to think, ‘Where else can we go?’ Then Super Formula Lights in Japan looked really good because it’s near our home here in the Philippines, so balancing school and racing would be somewhat easier because of the flight. I can just fly in and out of the country rather than staying long months in Europe.”
How a Porsche Champion Plotted an Unusual Route to the Top
Recently crowned IMSA title winner Matt Campbell has proved there’s more than one way to make it as a sportscar star. “Campbell, in particular, has had an unusual route to the pinnacle of endurance racing. There was no karting for him in his native Australia, no international single-seaters, just an understanding that if he was going to make it as a professional racing driver there was a clear path offered by Porsche in the way that there wasn’t in Aussie Supercars, another option considered.”
Read how he did it on Autosport Plus.
New GB3 Champion Ninovic Explains Why He’s Made a Sideways Step to FREC for 2026
Just four days after the curtain fell on the 2025 GB3 season in Monza, Alex Ninovic was announced to be remaining with Rodin Motorsport for his first Formula Regional Europe campaign next year. Whilst it may not be the step up to F3 some expected, the Australian told Feeder Series why he believes it is the right move for him.
“Having the car and [the team] gelling with me so well obviously gives the team and myself the confidence that you can go out there and put a lap down, or a series of laps in races, that are super consistent and fast,” he explained. “It’s just a culmination of everything coming together which gives you that ultimate performance over everyone else.”
Author: Mark Boudreau
Mark is the publisher of Motorsport Prospects and the host of the Motorsport Prospects Podcast. 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.
