American racing talent Ava Dobson is embarking on an exciting new chapter, joining the F1 Academy grid for the 2026 season. This partnership, forged with Hitech and American Express, marks a significant milestone in her burgeoning career. Dobson, who previously impressed as a wildcard entrant in Miami during the 2025 season, is poised to make a substantial impact in the all-female racing series. Her enthusiasm for the collaboration with American Express is palpable, underscoring a commitment to excellence and a drive to maximize her potential on the track.
This announcement not only highlights Dobson's individual achievements but also reflects the continued growth and increasing opportunities within the F1 Academy. The series, spearheaded by Susie Wolff, is consistently providing a platform for young female drivers to develop their skills and advance their careers in motorsport. Notable success stories from recent seasons, such as champions securing development roles with Formula 1 teams or participating in high-profile events like the Formula E rookie practice, demonstrate the academy's effectiveness in nurturing talent and opening doors to elite racing categories. As the 2026 season approaches, anticipation builds for what Dobson and her American Express-backed Hitech team will accomplish, further elevating the profile of female racers globally.
Ava Dobson's Journey to F1 Academy
Ava Dobson, a promising 17-year-old American racer, is embarking on a significant phase of her career by joining the F1 Academy for the 2026 season. Her participation with Hitech, supported by American Express, follows a noteworthy wildcard appearance in Miami during the 2025 season, where she showcased her burgeoning talent. Dobson has expressed immense enthusiasm for this opportunity, emphasizing her honor in being selected for the series and her eagerness to build a strong, collaborative partnership with American Express. This new chapter represents a crucial step in her development as a professional racing driver, aiming to translate her potential into competitive performance on the international stage.
Dobson's journey in single-seater racing began in 2023 with her debut in the Formula 4 United States championship, a step made possible through the Parella Motorsport Holdings Powering Diversity Scholarship. This initial experience provided a foundational platform for her skills. Building on this, she further honed her craft in the GB4 Championship with Velocity Racing Development in 2024, before transitioning to Arden Motorsport for the 2025 season. Additionally, her participation in the USF Juniors series has contributed to her comprehensive racing background. These experiences have equipped her with valuable insights and competitive edge, setting the stage for her F1 Academy debut. The partnership with American Express, an official F1 Academy partner since April 2024, signifies a robust backing for Dobson, aligning her with a brand known for supporting talent within the series, including past drivers like Nicole Havrda and Jessica Edgar. This collaboration aims to foster her growth and maximize her impact throughout the upcoming season.
The Growing Impact of F1 Academy on Female Motorsport
The F1 Academy, under the leadership of Susie Wolff, is making significant strides in cultivating talent and expanding opportunities for young female drivers within motorsport. The series has consistently demonstrated its commitment to nurturing promising racers, with recent seasons yielding notable successes that underscore its crucial role in the development pathway. These achievements not only highlight individual driver capabilities but also collectively elevate the visibility and recognition of female athletes in a historically male-dominated sport. The academy's structured approach to driver development and its increasing ties with major automotive brands are proving instrumental in bridging the gap for women in competitive racing.
A testament to the F1 Academy's impact is the career progression of its champions. For instance, the 2025 champion, Doriane Pin, has successfully secured a development driver position with the prestigious Mercedes Formula 1 team, illustrating a direct pathway from the academy to the pinnacle of motorsport. Similarly, the 2024 champion, Abbi Pulling, gained valuable experience by participating in the Formula E rookie practice session at the Miami ePrix, further showcasing the diverse opportunities available to academy graduates. These examples underscore the series' effectiveness in preparing drivers for higher echelons of racing and integrating them into the broader professional motorsport ecosystem. The upcoming 2026 F1 Academy season, commencing on March 13-15 in Shanghai as part of the F1 Chinese Grand Prix weekend, will feature seven rounds across various international venues, including Saudi Arabia, Canada, Britain, the Netherlands, Austin, and Las Vegas. This expansive schedule not only provides extensive racing experience but also broadens the global footprint of female motorsport, inspiring a new generation of racers worldwide.