Who pays for F1 Academy?
The answer to your question lies in the name of the series: ‘academy’. This means it’s a training school for young female drivers. It’s the driver who has to pay €100,000 to compete in the series. So that means the driver pays to F1 for the privilege of racing in the series, not the other way round. While F1 is a sport of incredible skill and dedication, it’s also one where women have historically faced barriers to entry and advancement. Factors like limited access to resources, implicit bias, and a lack of consistent opportunities to progress through the racing ladder all play a role.F1 ACADEMY is a female-only category designed to increase female participation in the sport, both on and off the track!
How can I join F1 ACADEMY?
Send your racing CV to development@f1academy. Driver Development team will reach out to discuss the next steps. You need to apply to Steve Burns, the Race Coordinator for the series, for an invitation from the Ferrari Owners’ Club to register to take part. Steve will send you all the necessary paperwork including a copy of the current Regulations.
Can an Indian join F1?
As of 2025, there have been two Formula One drivers from India. Indian Formula One drivers have had a race entry to 59 Grands Prix. Across these Grands Prix, Indian Formula One drivers have accumulated 5 points between them. Did you know Formula 1 was banned in India because of just one law? Despite spending ₹2000 crore to build the Buddh International Circuit in Noida, the government decided F1 is not a “sport” but an entertainment event, leading to 100% customs duty and 40% entertainment tax.What happened after the Court ruling? Profits from conducting the F1 race in India were subject to Indian corporate tax. Interestingly, this ruling along with an indirect tax issue (coupled with lukewarm response from Indian fans) resulted in discontinuation of the sport after 3 races in India.Formula 1 didn’t leave India because of a lack of fans or infrastructure. It left because of unclear policies, tax confusion, and a system that didn’t treat it like a sport. More than a decade ago, India tasted the thrill of Formula 1 (F1) racing.