Audi retains Emma Felbermayr for 2026 F1 Academy season

Audi has confirmed that Austrian driver Emma Felbermayr will represent the team in her second F1 Academy campaign in 2026. The 19-year-old finished 10th in her debut season last year, securing a maiden victory in Montreal. She becomes the 14th driver locked in for the all-female series.

Emma Felbermayr, who raced with Audi's predecessor Kick Sauber in 2025, impressed in her rookie F1 Academy season by finishing 10th in the Drivers' Standings. She claimed her first win in a thrilling last-lap sprint during Montreal Race 2 and added five more points-scoring finishes. Beyond the series, Felbermayr gained experience in Spanish F4 and has been competing in the UAE4 Series during the winter break to prepare for the upcoming year.

The announcement completes Rodin Motorsport's lineup for 2026, with Felbermayr driving their car. She is also the second driver to join Audi's newly established Driver Development Programme, highlighting the team's focus on nurturing talent. This move underscores Audi's commitment to supporting female drivers, continuing a legacy that includes rally icon Michèle Mouton and sportscar ace Rahel Frey.

Allan McNish, Director of the Audi Driver Development Programme, expressed enthusiasm: “We are delighted to officially welcome Emma Felbermayr to the Audi Revolut F1 Team family. Her performance and dedication in her debut F1 Academy season were impressive, and we see great potential for her future. Supporting female talent is a key priority for our F1 operations, and it is a source of pride for us to continue the legacy of strong female drivers who have succeeded with the Four Rings. We look forward to seeing Emma carry our colours on the grid in 2026.”

Felbermayr shared her excitement: “Continuing in F1 Academy and to now do so as an official Audi Revolut F1 Team driver is a huge honour. To be associated with a brand that has such an incredible motorsport history, and one that supported icons like Michèle Mouton and Rahel Frey, is truly inspiring. I am grateful for the trust being placed in me and can't wait to sport the Audi colours on the grid, as I continue my journey in the series with Rodin Motorsport. My goal is to represent the brand with pride, build on what I learned last season, and fight for strong results.”

The F1 Academy series, integrated into the Formula One Grand Prix calendar, provides a global platform for emerging female racers as Audi enters a new era in motorsport.

مقالات ذات صلة

Audi F1 driver development program launch: Allan McNish with young karting talents beside an F1 prototype car.
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Audi launches driver development programme for F1 entry

من إعداد الذكاء الاصطناعي صورة مولدة بواسطة الذكاء الاصطناعي

Audi has announced a new driver development programme to scout and nurture young talent ahead of its 2026 Formula 1 debut as a works team. The initiative, overseen by former F1 driver Allan McNish, aims to build a pathway from karting to the top tier of motorsport. This move aligns with Audi's five-year plan to contend for the world championship by 2030.

The team once called Kick Sauber transitions to Audi for the 2026 Formula 1 season, retaining its driver lineup amid rising momentum. After a ninth-place finish in 2025, Audi aims to build on recent progress with experienced hands and fresh talent. The German manufacturer's debut as a full works team sets the stage for ambitious long-term goals.

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Audi has revealed the silver, black and red livery for its first Formula 1 car, the R26, at a launch event in Berlin. The German manufacturer, entering as a full works team after acquiring Sauber, aims to challenge for championships by 2030 despite a humble start. Drivers Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto will spearhead the effort under team principal Jonathan Wheatley.

Audi's entry into Formula 1 in 2026 will face formidable competition from established power unit giants Mercedes, Ferrari, and Honda, but the team is ready to endure early setbacks. Chief technical officer Mattia Binotto emphasized the need for humility and learning from reliability issues to aim for success by 2030. Recent testing in Barcelona highlighted initial technical gremlins.

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Mattia Binotto, Audi's F1 chief, described an unprecedented workload as the team prepares for its 2026 entry following a Barcelona shakedown marred by initial technical issues. Despite early power unit problems limiting drivers Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hulkenberg, the squad ended the week positively with significant mileage on Friday. Binotto emphasized the team's commitment to addressing every detail before further tests in Bahrain.

Nico Hulkenberg has confirmed he has no immediate plans to retire from Formula 1, even as Audi targets full competitiveness by 2030. The German driver expressed willingness to continue racing past the age of 40 amid the team's long-term project.

من إعداد الذكاء الاصطناعي

British driver Ollie Bearman continues to aspire to a full-time Formula 1 role with Ferrari, as discussions with the team remain open. The 20-year-old, who impressed on his debut for the Scuderia last year, is preparing for his rookie season with Haas in 2025. Bearman highlighted the support he has received from Ferrari since his early racing days.

 

 

 

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