The Champions of the Future Academy Program is a mixed-gender series with a series of costs-controlling measures. F1 Academy has announced a total of 9 female drivers will receive financial backing within the series with the aim of increasing accessibility and opportunities for girls in motorsport.
The newly announced series will be separated into three categories: Mini Group 3 (8-11 years), Juniors OKN (11-14 years) and Senior OKN (14+ years). With 36 places in each category, female karters will make up a guaranteed 3 places in each category as part of F1 Academy’s Discover Your Drive initiative. In addition to being provided with branded karts and race suits, the selected 9 drivers will also receive financial support with the entry fees.
The series has also placed a cap on entry fees for all participants in one of a number of measures to control the costs required to advance in karting. This is set to provide a more level playing field, allowing the drivers talent to be displayed without so much influence from technical factors. The entry fee will provide drivers with a kart and engine, 3 sets of slick tires, awning space and a kart trolley and work bench. A lottery system will be used for the allocation of the chassis and engine.
F1 Academy x Champions of the Future. 💪
We're proud to support the launch of a new junior series, Champions of the Future Academy, a global series to increase participation in international karting by breaking down the barriers to entry.#F1Academy pic.twitter.com/dBVRXNFwyW
— F1 Academy (@f1academy) October 13, 2023
An opening event is set to take place in Abu Dhabi on 22nd – 24th November at the racetrack of Al Forsan in Abu Dhabi. 2024 will then mark the launch of the international series. An introductory weekend is set to be followed by six double-header race weekends. The races are set to include at least one Non-European Circuit.
The series is also set to be used by F1 Academy for their Discover Your Drive youth participation. The 3 best female karters in the Senior category will be invited to an Official F1 Academy test, providing a stronger pathway between karting and F1 Academy. Champions of the Future President James Geidel is also set to work with F1 Academy’s Managing Director Susie Wolff to identify female karters with the ability to progress through the junior pathway.
“With so much momentum building around F1 Academy, we must continue to strengthen the pipeline of talent coming into our sport. We look forward to this collaboration with Champions of The Future which will create a clear pathway from karting into F1 Academy.” – Susie Wolff
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