Quick Read
- Susie Wolff is the Managing Director of F1 Academy.
- The 2026 F1 Academy calendar features seven rounds at iconic global venues, including Silverstone and Las Vegas.
- Each event includes multiple races and a reverse grid format.
- The series aims to inspire and support women in motorsport, with strong backing from Formula 1 leadership.
- Susie Wolff emphasizes the importance of visibility and opportunity for female drivers.
Susie Wolff: Steering F1 Academy’s Ambitious Future
When it comes to women making waves in motorsport, few names resonate as strongly as Susie Wolff. In her role as Managing Director of F1 Academy, Wolff has become a driving force behind efforts to reshape the racing landscape. The recent unveiling of the 2026 F1 Academy calendar signals not only a new era for the series, but also a significant step forward for female participation in top-tier racing.
2026 F1 Academy Calendar: A Strategic Leap
Unveiled in December 2025, the 2026 racing calendar is both expansive and intentional. Seven rounds, fourteen races, and a blend of classic and new venues make for a dynamic schedule. For the first time, F1 Academy will race at Silverstone, a track synonymous with motorsport heritage. The series will also touch down in Shanghai, Jeddah, Montreal, Zandvoort, Austin, and Las Vegas—locations that reflect Formula 1’s global reach.
Each event promises multiple races, with a reverse grid format adding unpredictability and excitement. By aligning its events with the FIA Formula One World Championship, F1 Academy positions itself not just as a support series but as a visible, influential player on race weekends.
Susie Wolff’s Vision: Inclusion and Impact
Susie Wolff’s excitement about the new calendar isn’t just about the spectacle of racing; it’s about the deeper purpose. “The inclusion of Silverstone and Austin are pivotal additions,” she stated, underscoring her commitment to giving young female drivers the opportunity to compete at iconic venues. The series finale in Las Vegas is designed to be more than just a race—it’s set to be a showcase for the talent and ambition driving F1 Academy forward.
Wolff’s leadership is rooted in her own experience as a trailblazer. From her days as a professional driver to her executive roles, she’s seen firsthand the challenges women face in motorsport. Her stewardship of F1 Academy is marked by an insistence on visibility, opportunity, and support for grassroots involvement.
Championing Diversity: From Grassroots to Grand Prix
The 2026 calendar reflects a broader vision for the future. Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, has praised F1 Academy for inspiring women and broadening participation at every level. Community support and grassroots programs are central to the series’ mission, aiming to create a pipeline of talent that will one day compete at the highest echelons of racing.
Under Wolff’s direction, F1 Academy is more than a stepping stone—it’s a statement. By returning to celebrated venues and making history at Silverstone during the British Grand Prix, the series is sending a clear message: women’s racing belongs at the heart of motorsport.
Looking Ahead: Legacy and Momentum
As F1 Academy prepares for its landmark 2026 season, the stakes are higher than ever. The calendar’s structure, the choice of venues, and the integration with Formula One events are all calculated moves to amplify the series’ impact. For Wolff, the goal is not just to host races, but to cultivate a lasting legacy of inclusion and excellence.
Fans and aspiring drivers alike are watching. The promise of the reverse grid format, the thrill of competing on world-class circuits, and the visibility alongside Formula One create a potent mix of opportunity and excitement. For many, the 2026 season represents more than a schedule—it’s the culmination of years of advocacy, vision, and hard work.
Yet, as with any transformative effort, challenges remain. Motorsport’s historical barriers to female participation are not erased overnight. But with leaders like Susie Wolff at the helm, and the continued support of the racing community, F1 Academy is charting a new course—one that could redefine what’s possible for women in the sport.
Susie Wolff’s stewardship of F1 Academy is shaping a future where women’s presence in motorsport is not a novelty but a norm. The 2026 racing calendar, with its strategic venues and ambitious format, stands as both a milestone and a promise: that the drive for diversity and inclusion can, indeed, change the face of racing.