Mathilda Paatz joins 2026 F1 ACADEMY grid with Aston Martin

Mathilda Paatz will embark on her first F1 ACADEMY campaign next year, with Aston Martin signing the 17-year-old for the 2026 season.

Hailing from Cologne, the German racer began her racing career in karting in 2019, going on to score a third-place finish in the 2020 ADAC Kart Masters – Mini category and a standout victory in the 2022 ADAC Kart Masters – Ladies Cup.

After transitioning to single-seaters for the 2024 French F4 campaign, she claimed two wins in the 2025 E4 Championship – Trophy Woman and a podium finish in the F4 Central European Zone Championship, on her way to finishing eighth in the Standings. Additionally, Paatz made her F1 ACADEMY debut as the Wild Card entry for Round 4 in Montreal, driving the #8 Gatorade-liveried car operated by Hitech TGR.

Selected by Aston Martin after excelling in a rigorous four-driver evaluation programme, Paatz also joins the team's Driver Academy and will be competing with PREMA Racing next year.

Speaking on the announcement, Paatz said: “I’m really proud to be representing Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team in F1 ACADEMY next year. This is something I’ve worked incredibly hard for and my focus now is on preparing for the season ahead.

"There will be lots to learn, including several new circuits, but I feel confident knowing I have so much support from Aston Martin Aramco and PREMA Racing. I had a great first day at the AMRTC in Silverstone meeting so many incredible people from the Aston Martin Aramco team. I immediately felt at home and everybody was very welcoming. I couldn’t be happier and I can’t wait to get racing!”

Nuno Pinto, Racing Director, Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team Driver Academy, added: "In partnership with PREMA Racing, we conducted a comprehensive evaluation of four drivers before selecting who would represent Aston Martin Aramco in the 2026 F1 ACADEMY series. To ensure a rigorous and fair assessment, we held a shootout at the demanding Mugello circuit, giving each driver a day in an F4 car to showcase their capabilities.

"Mathilda not only emerged as the fastest driver, but also demonstrated consistency, maturity and a competitive spirit. Her performance was strong enough not just to secure the F1 ACADEMY seat, but also to earn herself a place in the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team Driver Academy. We are delighted to welcome her as both our F1 ACADEMY driver and a member of our development programme, and we look forward to supporting her throughout this exciting next step in her career."

Jessica Hawkins, Driver Ambassador & Head of F1 ACADEMY at Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team, said: “I’m really pleased to be welcoming Mathilda to our team. F1 ACADEMY continues to be such a brilliant platform for developing and showcasing emerging talent, offering young drivers the support and visibility they need to grow.

"The amazing drivers competing in the series are not only shaping the future of the sport but also inspiring the next generation of female racers, showing what’s possible when passion is encouraged and supported. We're excited to begin our journey with Mathilda and we wish Tina (Hausmann) all the best in the next chapter of her career.”

Aston Martin also thanked Tina Hausmann for her contribution to the team, as the Swiss driver departs F1 ACADEMY after her two-season stint.