F1 Academy - Las Vegas

The F1 Academy concludes its season on the Streets Of Las Vegas, where the all-female racing series holds its season finale on the famous Las Vegas Strip Circuit. This event runs as a support series to the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, bringing high-level single-seater racing to one of the most recognizable circuits in motorsport.

About F1 Academy

F1 Academy serves as a development series for young female drivers. Formula One established this series to provide talented racers with the track time and support needed to advance through the motorsport ladder. The series operates as a spec championship, where all competitors use identical equipment to emphasize driver skill and talent.

Susie Wolff leads the series as Managing Director. Formula 1 funds the project directly and subsidizes entry costs, making the championship more accessible than many other junior racing categories. The ultimate goal is to prepare drivers for higher levels of competition and eventually see a woman return to Formula 1.

The Las Vegas Strip Circuit

The Streets Of Las Vegas provide a challenging temporary street circuit that measures 6.201 kilometers (3.853 miles). The counter-clockwise layout features 17 corners and includes a 1.2-mile straight section along the Las Vegas Strip. Carsten Tilke designed this circuit, which incorporates several famous landmarks including the MSG Sphere, Caesars Palace, Bellagio, and Paris Las Vegas.

Drivers reach speeds exceeding 215 mph on the long straights. The race takes place at night, creating a distinct atmosphere under the lights of Las Vegas. The circuit combines high-speed sections with technical corners that test driver precision and racecraft.

Race Format and Points System

Each F1 Academy event includes two races. The race weekend typically features two free practice sessions of up to 40 minutes each, followed by a 30-minute qualifying session. Both races last up to 30 minutes.

The grid for Race 1 is determined by reversing the top eight qualifiers from the qualifying session. Race 2 uses the standard qualifying order. This reverse grid format for the first race creates different strategic challenges and opportunities for drivers throughout the field.

The points system mirrors Formula 1. Both races award identical points to the top finishers. Pole position earns two bonus points in each race, and the fastest lap adds one point if the driver finishes within the top 10. The top five drivers in the championship receive FIA Super Licence points, with 10 points for the champion, 7 for second place, 5 for third, 3 for fourth, and 1 for fifth.

Teams and Drivers

Six teams compete in F1 Academy, fielding 18 identical cars. The established teams include ART Grand Prix, Campos Racing, MP Motorsport, Prema Racing, Rodin Motorsport, and Hitech Grand Prix. All 10 Formula 1 teams support one driver each, with their respective team livery featured on the car.

Drivers must be women aged between 16 and 25 years old at the start of their first race event. Competitors can participate in a maximum of two seasons in the series, encouraging progression to higher racing categories.

McLaren Racing supports two drivers: Ella Lloyd and Ella Stevens, both competing with Rodin Motorsport. Prema Racing fields Nina Gademan, Mathilda Paatz (backed by Aston Martin), and Payton Westcott (supported by Mercedes). Additional confirmed competitors include Natalia Granada with Sephora backing and Alisha Palmowski with Red Bull support. The series occasionally features wild card entries, giving emerging local talent opportunities to compete on an international platform.

Technical Specifications

All competitors use the Tatuus F4-T421 chassis, a Formula 4-level single-seater. The cars are powered by a turbocharged 1.4-liter, 4-cylinder engine from Autotecnica Motori that produces 174 horsepower (130 kW). Pirelli supplies the tires for the series, the same partner that provides tires for Formula 1.

As a spec series, F1 Academy ensures that all teams and drivers compete with identical equipment. This approach places the focus squarely on driver ability, racecraft, and performance under pressure rather than technical advantages.

Impact and Accessibility

F1 Academy has increased female participation in motorsport since its creation. The series provides role models for young girls interested in racing and has contributed to growth in female involvement in karting. The championship offers crucial development opportunities that help bridge the gap between karting and professional single-seater racing.

A docuseries titled "F1: The Academy" premiered on Netflix, offering fans a behind-the-scenes look at the series, the drivers, and their journeys through the championship.

What to Expect in Las Vegas

The Las Vegas finale brings the season to a close with two races on the Strip Circuit. The night race format adds a unique visual element as the cars navigate the circuit surrounded by the bright lights and energy of Las Vegas. The combination of high speeds, close racing, and the distinctive setting creates compelling racing action.

The event runs alongside the Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend, placing F1 Academy drivers on one of the most prominent stages in motorsport. This visibility helps showcase the talent within the series and demonstrates the progress of female drivers in professional racing.

Fans can follow the championship battle as drivers compete for points, pole positions, and fastest laps across both races. The reverse grid format in Race 1 often produces different running orders and strategic situations compared to Race 2, where the fastest qualifiers start at the front.