The F1 Academy is on the verge of a significant expansion in the 2025 season, marking a momentous occasion for the series dedicated to nurturing and showcasing female talents in the world of motorsport. Hitech Grand Prix, a renowned British racing team with a rich history of success in junior categories, is set to join the racing fray with the introduction of three new cars. This move will lead to a considerable increase in the grid size, accommodating a total of 18 cars.

Unleashing the Potential of Female Motorsport with the F1 Academy's Expansion

The Significance of Hitech Grand Prix's Entry

The participation of Hitech Grand Prix arrives at a time when the F1 Academy is gathering momentum as a vital platform for women in motorsport. Historically, female drivers have encountered limited opportunities. However, initiatives like the F1 Academy signify a positive transformation towards inclusivity and talent development. As Susie Wolff, the Managing Director of the F1 Academy, aptly stated, "We are proud to be expanding the F1 ACADEMY grid to 18 cars in just our third season of racing. It's evident that change is already underway, and this expansion reflects not only the growing talent pool of drivers ready to take the next step but also the remarkable growth of F1 ACADEMY as a platform for developing female talent. Hitech Grand Prix has an outstanding history in junior formulas, including FIA Formula 2 and Formula 3, and we are delighted to welcome them to our grid starting from 2025."The operations of Hitech Grand Prix will involve managing two full-time entries and one Wild Card vehicle, continuing the concept of Wild Card participation that began in the 2024 season. This initiative provides local female drivers from the race locations with a valuable opportunity to compete and gain crucial experience. Several past Wild Card participants, such as Courtney Crone, Ella Lloyd, and Nina Gademan, have already reaped the benefits of this system and have transitioned to full-time roles with top teams like Haas, McLaren, and Alpine for the upcoming season.

Strengthening the Competitive Atmosphere

By joining the ranks of established teams such as ART Grand Prix, Campos Racing, Rodin Motorsport, MP Motorsport, and PREMA Racing, Hitech Grand Prix's entry further enhances the competitive spirit of the series. These teams have a proven track record in nurturing racing talents in junior categories like FIA Formula 3 and Formula 2, aligning seamlessly with the F1 Academy's mission. Oliver Oakes, the owner of Hitech Grand Prix, expressed his delight, stating, "I'm thrilled to confirm Hitech's participation in F1 ACADEMY from the 2025 season. A platform that inspires and supports young girls and women to embark on their motorsport journey is one that we have always firmly believed in, and the opportunity to translate our support into positive action by entering a team in F1 ACADEMY is of great significance to us. We commend Susie Wolff's commitment and determination as the driving force behind the changes that the series is bringing about."This expansion not only increases the visibility and opportunities for female motorsport talents but also sets a precedent for the future. It showcases the commitment of both the F1 Academy and Hitech Grand Prix to promoting gender equality and providing a platform for women to shine in the highly competitive world of motorsport. With 18 cars on the grid and the addition of a renowned team like Hitech Grand Prix, the 2025 season of the F1 Academy is set to be a thrilling and historic chapter in the history of female motorsport.