F1 Academy has announced a new partnership with international karting series Champions of the Future (COTF). The agreement will see the launch of a new junior series called the “Champions of the Future Academy Program” (COTFA), which will have selected participants supported by F1 Academy’s “Discover Your Drive” initiative.
The series is aimed to increase female participation and inclusion in “national and international karting events”. The series will have three mixed gender categories:
- Minis (ages 8–11)
- Juniors (ages 11–14)
- Seniors (ages 14–17)
Participants will compete in six double-header race weekends around the world.
F1 Academy will also support three female drivers from each category, which will include financial support. Three best drivers from the Seniors category will get an official F1 Academy test as well.
Susie Wolff, Managing Director, F1 Academy, said:
“With so much momentum building around F1 Academy, we must continue to strengthen the pipeline of talent coming into our sport. We look forward to this collaboration with Champions of The Future which will create a clear pathway from karting into F1 Academy.
“COTFA will operate a lottery system for the chassis and engines plus implement a fixed budget, giving us the opportunity to identify the top talent across all age groups. We will also provide the best in the senior category with an F1 Academy test, giving them a chance to prove themselves to our teams. Champions of the Future shares F1 Academy’s vision to increase female participation, create opportunity and allow clear progression up the motorsport ladder.“
James Geidel, President of Champions of the Future, added:
“We are pleased to have a collaboration with F1 Academy, both series have similar goals and ambitions for the future of motorsport. COTFA will provide the base of the pyramid with a more affordable and level playing field, that aims to expand the driver pool and highlight the drivers’ talent over technical aspects.
“F1 Academy Discover Your Drive will provide the ladder needed for the most talented participants to take the next steps into single seater racing, with our common goal to increase female participation and inclusion in the world of motorsport.“
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