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.

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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

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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 Audi Formula 1 team has named 28-year-old Swiss driver Ralph Boschung as its development driver, despite his recent retirement announcement. Boschung joins British driver Freddie Slater in the newly launched Driver Development Programme. The programme, directed by former F1 driver Allan McNish, aims to nurture young talent for Audi's future in the sport.

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Doriane Pin, the 22-year-old French driver, has secured the 2025 F1 Academy championship and will advance to a development driver position with Mercedes for 2026. Her victory came after a close battle with Ferrari's Maya Weug, sealed by 15 points in the final race in Las Vegas. Pin's new role involves simulator work, factory support, and mentoring Mercedes' upcoming F1 Academy driver.

Mercedes has announced its 2026 junior programme roster, marking the 10th anniversary of the initiative with nine young drivers from karting to Formula Regional. The programme adds karting prospects Niccolò Perico and Devin Titz to the lineup. It continues to nurture talents like George Russell and Kimi Antonelli who have reached Formula 1.

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Alpine has confirmed that Formula 2 driver Alex Dunne has joined its young driver programme. The 20-year-old Irish racer, who previously participated in Formula 1 practice sessions for McLaren, will compete for Rodin Motorsport with Alpine's livery starting this weekend in Australia.

Helmut Marko, former Red Bull advisor, forecasts a drivers' championship duel between Mercedes teammates George Russell and Kimi Antonelli in 2026. Mercedes has dominated the season's opening races under new regulations. Antonelli leads the standings after strong qualifying and two victories.

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2023 Formula 2 champion Theo Pourchaire has been announced as a development driver for Mercedes ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 season. The 22-year-old French driver will handle simulator duties while continuing his full-time role with Peugeot in the World Endurance Championship. This move provides Pourchaire with a renewed opportunity in F1 after previous setbacks.

 

 

 

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