The F1 Academy kicked off its 2025 season last weekend in Shanghai. On a mission to inspire the next generation of women racers, the grid is expanding and young talent is actively scouted from around the world. With a growing international calendar and a focus on nurturing drivers from the start of their careers, the F1 Academy aims to provide a platform that elevates women in motorsport. We spoke with VIS Mentor Megan Gilkes, a former racer and current Formula 1 engineer, about the Academy’s influence on getting more women on the track. As a seasoned professional, Gilkes has seen both the challenges and opportunities for women in the sport.
A Global Platform for Talent Development
The F1 Academy strives to reach young girls interested in motorsport around the world, breaking down stereotypes and encouraging girls to get involved. With races scheduled across three continents, including iconic venues like Shanghai and Las Vegas, the series is positioning itself as a global platform for young women drivers. Gilkes is particularly excited about the international reach, noting that it sets an achievable goal for young girls who might be interested in the sport. “When you see a Formula 4 championship of women who, for young girls, might be just a few years older than what they are, it really gives you something that you can aspire to do in the much nearer future,” she says.
In 2025, the F1 Academy will feature more inexperienced drivers, many of whom are embarking on their first or second single-seater seasons. This approach is part of a strategy to mold drivers from an earlier stage, better preparing them for progression up the motorsport ladder. “I think it's a great starting point for a young [woman’s] career,” Gilkes says. By giving drivers experience early on, they’re better equipped to climb the ranks.
Katie Denver, F1 Academy’s Performance & Talent Development Manager, is also traveling the world to spot emerging talent. “It was really on the back of understanding that participation is growing and the talent is there that we decided to increase the field,” F1 Academy Managing Director Susie Wolff said in an interview. This expansion not only nurtures raw talent but also reinforces the F1 Academy's commitment to creating a pipeline of skilled women drivers ready to take on the highest levels of motorsport.
“When you see a Formula 4 championship of women who, for young girls, might be just a few years older than what they are, it really gives you something that you can aspire to do in the much nearer future.”
Fostering Opportunity and Breaking Barriers
One major hurdle for young women in motorsport is the lack of representation. As Gilkes points out, women might start their careers as the only woman on the track. “I think there are challenges, especially at the start, when you might be the only girl there,” she notes. Despite this, Gilkes relied on a strong mindset to push past any obstacles. “I was steadfast in believing I belonged there,” she says. “If anyone ever tried to mess me around, I would stand up for myself.”
Gilkes explains that F1 Academy is so important because it gives young girls a chance to receive support from other women in the sport. “You've got all the F1 teams keeping an eye on how the F1 academy's going, and you can actually hope to maybe pick up some support from someone after racing in the F1 Academy,” Gilkes says. Having a strong role model early in her career, Gilkes believes this kind of mentorship is essential for aspiring women drivers. “I was really fortunate to have a great [woman] racing role model. I think that that’s always going to help any girl trying to get into motorsport,” Gilkes says.
The F1 Academy also offers crucial financial support, which helps reduce the significant costs typically associated with competing in Formula 4. These costs include entry fees, car maintenance, and travel expenses. This allows drivers to focus less on fundraising and more on racing, using their available funds for testing and skill development.
The Road to the Future
The impact of the F1 Academy is far-reaching, with its influence extending beyond the drivers who compete. The series is creating a sustainable and competitive environment for young women to rise through motorsport. “It also provides a stepping stone,” Gilkes explains. “Drivers can go from F1 Academy into Formula Regional, into other Formula 4 Championships.”
Gilkes hopes that the F1 Academy will inspire young girls to see racing as a real possibility. With its growing presence and commitment to developing talent, the F1 Academy is providing the foundation for future generations of women to excel in motorsport.
