COTA

Circuit Of The Americas in Austin, Texas, welcomes the F1 Academy championship back to the United States for the 2026 season. This female-only single-seater racing series brings high-level competition to one of America's premier racing facilities. The COTA f1-academy event features three races over one weekend, offering fans multiple opportunities to watch the next generation of racing talent compete on a world-class circuit.

About F1 Academy

F1 Academy is a female-only racing championship that operates at the Formula 4 level. The Formula One Group founded this series to develop young female drivers and prepare them for higher levels of motorsport. The goal is to create a pathway from karting through single-seater racing, leading to Formula 3 and beyond. Susie Wolff serves as the managing director of the series.

The championship provides crucial experience for drivers who aim to progress through the motorsport ranks. All teams use identical equipment, which places the focus squarely on driver skill and performance rather than technical advantages.

The 2026 Race Format

The 2026 season introduces a three-race format at select rounds, and Circuit Of The Americas hosts one of these expanded weekends. Each race weekend includes an Opening Race, a Reverse Grid Race, and a Feature Race. This format gives drivers more track time and racing experience while providing fans with three separate competitions to follow.

The series runs alongside the FIA Formula One World Championship, giving F1 Academy drivers exposure to the premier level of motorsport. The 2026 season consists of six rounds and fourteen races across three continents.

Circuit Of The Americas

COTA was the first purpose-built FIA Grade 1 circuit in the United States created specifically for Formula 1. Located in Austin, Texas, the facility opened in 2012 and has become a centerpiece of American motorsport. The venue hosts multiple racing series throughout the year, along with concerts and festivals.

Track Layout and Features

The Grand Prix circuit measures 3.427 miles (5.515 km) and contains 20 turns. The track runs counter-clockwise, which distinguishes it from most other circuits. Hermann Tilke designed the layout, incorporating elements from famous circuits around the globe.

The opening sequence of corners (Turns 3-6) takes inspiration from Silverstone's Maggotts and Becketts complex. Turn 1 presents drivers with a steep 133-foot uphill climb to a tight left-hand corner at the apex. This corner, known as "Big Red," creates a challenging entry point for each lap. The stadium section draws design elements from Hockenheim.

A 251-foot observation tower stands as a prominent feature of the facility. The tower offers views of the entire circuit and the Austin skyline. The track's design emphasizes overtaking opportunities and driver challenge.

Technical Specifications

F1 Academy uses a spec series format, meaning all competitors race with identical equipment. This approach ensures that driver talent determines the results.

The cars use the Tatuus T421 chassis, which also appears in Formula 4 championships but features modified front and rear wings for F1 Academy. The chassis complies with FIA 2021 safety standards, including anti-intrusion panels, crash tests, and the halo protection system.

Power comes from a turbocharged 1.4-liter, four-cylinder Autotecnica Motori engine. The engine produces 174 brake horsepower at 5,500 rpm. Pirelli supplies 13-inch tires for the series, with a single compound available to all teams.

The cars reach a top speed of 240 km/h (149 mph). Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) takes 3.6 seconds, while 0 to 200 km/h (124 mph) requires 12.5 seconds. Maximum braking deceleration reaches -1.5 G, and lateral acceleration can reach +/- 2.0 G. The total weight of each car, including the driver, is approximately 585 kilograms.

A sequential gearbox and electric gear shift system manage power delivery. The aerodynamic package facilitates overtaking, and teams have a wide range of suspension setup options to adapt to different circuits and conditions.

The Drivers

F1 Academy fields 15 drivers across five teams, with each team operating three cars. Starting from a previous season, all ten Formula 1 teams nominate one driver each, and their liveries appear on the nominated driver's car. This connection strengthens the link between F1 Academy and Formula 1.

Drivers confirmed for the 2026 season include Alisha Palmowski, Emma Felbermayr, Nina Gademan, Mathilda Paatz, Natalia Granada, Ella Stevens, Rachel Robertson, Lisa Billard, Ava Dobson, and wildcard entry Chiara Battig. These competitors represent the current generation of female racing talent working to advance through the motorsport ladder.

What Makes This Event Special

The COTA f1-academy event combines several elements that create a compelling racing weekend. The three-race format provides varied competition, with the reverse grid race adding an extra layer of strategy and unpredictability. Drivers must adapt quickly and perform consistently across multiple races.

Circuit Of The Americas offers a true test of skill with its varied corner types, elevation changes, and technical sections. The track rewards precise driving while punishing mistakes. The counter-clockwise layout adds a unique element that drivers must account for in their preparation.

Racing alongside the Formula One World Championship gives F1 Academy drivers direct exposure to the sport's highest level. Young drivers can observe F1 operations, teams, and drivers while competing on the same circuit. This experience proves valuable for their development and future careers.

The Austin location brings the series to a strong motorsport market in the United States. COTA's facilities and infrastructure support high-quality racing events, and the venue's experience hosting major championships ensures a professional environment for competitors and fans alike.

The f1-academy series at Circuit Of The Americas represents an important step in the development of female racing drivers. The combination of quality equipment, professional support, and challenging competition creates an environment where talent can flourish. This event showcases the progress of women's motorsport and the opportunities available to skilled drivers who commit to advancing their careers in racing.