F1 Academy Expands Rookie Test Program with Loughborough University Partnership
F1 Academy has unveiled an expanded rookie test program for 2026, featuring a novel training camp designed in collaboration with Loughborough University. This enhanced initiative aims to nurture emerging female racing talent through a comprehensive, science-backed approach, blending academic rigor with practical motorsport experience. The program seeks to develop the drivers' physical, cognitive, and behavioral skills, preparing them for the demanding environment of elite competition and contributing to the advancement of women in motorsport.
The program will consist of two distinct phases: an intensive training camp at Loughborough University focusing on athlete development, and an on-track experience at Circuito de Navarra in Spain, where participants will immerse themselves in an F1 Academy team setting. This dual approach ensures a holistic development pathway for the 18 selected drivers, providing them with invaluable exposure and training both on and off the track.
Loughborough University: A Hub for Athlete Development
The initial phase of the rookie training camp will be held at Loughborough University from August 25-27, where 18 aspiring F1 Academy drivers will undergo extensive physiological and cognitive assessments. This stage includes comprehensive profiling and VALD performance screening, along with workshops and seminars led by university experts. The focus will be on driver preparation, equipping the participants with a deeper understanding of their capabilities and the tools needed to enhance their performance. This collaboration highlights a shared vision between F1 Academy and Loughborough University to cultivate excellence and unlock the full potential of these young athletes.
Lou Gear, Director of Sport at Loughborough University, expressed immense pride in hosting F1 Academy and its aspiring drivers, emphasizing the shared belief in nurturing talent, dedication, and providing world-class performance environments. She underscored the university's long-standing tradition of supporting athletes in their pursuit of global excellence, recognizing F1 Academy's commitment to advancing the next generation of female racing talent. The university's expertise, research, and supportive environment are designed to accelerate the drivers' development, enabling them to comprehend the multifaceted requirements for success in elite motorsport. This partnership also reinforces a mutual dedication to promoting women in sport, expanding opportunities for talented female athletes, and inspiring future generations to break boundaries.
On-Track Immersion and Comprehensive Training
Following the university-based training, the second stage of the program will move to the Circuito de Navarra in Spain, from September 9-11. Here, the rookie drivers will be fully integrated into an F1 Academy team environment, offering them a unique hands-on experience. They will shadow engineering sessions, observe operational briefings, and receive specialized media training, providing a complete insight into the professional world of motorsport. The program culminates with the drivers taking to the track in F1 Academy machinery, allowing them to apply their newly acquired knowledge and skills in a realistic racing scenario.
Katie Denver, Performance and Talent Development Manager at F1 Academy, highlighted the success of the inaugural Rookie Test in 2025, which revealed the significant depth of female racing talent and the critical importance of providing opportunities for drivers to demonstrate their abilities. The introduction of the Rookie Training Camp with Loughborough University represents a significant advancement, offering support that extends beyond the track through a scientific approach to athlete development. This includes enhancing their understanding of physical, cognitive, and behavioral performance. By combining world-class expertise, cutting-edge research, and direct on-track experience, the program aims to create an optimal environment for drivers to accelerate their development and gain a profound understanding of the requirements for success in the competitive world of motorsport.