Formula 1 has revealed the five teams that will contest the inaugural female-only F1 academy series when the championship launches in 2023.
In the wake of W Series ending its season two race early due to financial struggles, F1 announced last month the creation of a new category that aims to help female racers progress up the single-seater ladder.
The series will run at Formula 4 level and there will be seven events over the season, with each round featuring three races.
It is expected that a large portion of the rounds will be separated from F1’s schedule, but there are plans to have at least have one event as part of the support bill at a grand prix.
There will be five teams on the grid next year, all fielding three cars, with ART Grand Prix, Campos Racing, Carlin, MP Motorosport and PREMA Racing all signing up to the series.
All have a strong pedigree in the junior categories and have teams competing in Formula 2 and Formula 3, opening up opportunities for the drivers to earn a seat in a higher class.
“It is exciting to be able to announce the five teams that will be racing in the F1 Academy for next year and who will be providing this fantastic opportunity to the young and talented women to begin their journey into competitive motorsport,” said F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali.
“We believe it is important that everyone has the chance to follow their ambitions and get the support and guidance needed to progress and excel. The F1 Academy is an important part of our plan to increase diversity and representation in motorsport and we are looking forward to the first season in 2023 and stay tuned for more news in this area.”
As well as seven rounds, drivers will have up to 15 days of official testing to help them gain valuable track time. The cars will use a Tatuus T421 chassis as seen in F4, engines that provide up to 165bhp and run on Pirelli tyres.
General manager of the F1 Academy Bruno Michel added: “I am very pleased to reveal the five teams entering the F1 Academy for the next three-year cycle, starting from 2023. We know them very well and we have been collaborating with each one for many years.
“They are well-known for their experience and expertise in nurturing and developing young drivers. I fully trust that they will give the drivers competing in the F1 Academy the keys to grow technically, and that they will help them with the physical and mental preparations for the journey ahead.”
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