Champions of the Future Academy Program International Series

The Champions of the Future Academy Program is a global series aiming to increase female participation and inclusion in national and international karting competitions by breaking down the barriers to entry.

HOW DOES THE SERIES WORK?

Designed to develop the next generation of motorsport talent, the Champions of the Future Academy Program is an Arrive and Drive karting program featuring three mixed gender age categories, Mini 60 (ages 8-12), OK-N Junior (ages 11-14) and OK-N Senior (ages 14-17), competing in equal equipment.

The Mini class will run Parolin chassis powered by TM Kart Engines, while Kart Republic chassis powered by IAME will be run by the Junior and Senior classes. COTFA aims to break down barriers to entry by featuring cost control measures, including a limit on entry fees alongside a chassis and engine lottery.

Each round runs on a four-day format with the collection of material taking place on Thursday, followed by all-day Free Practice on Friday. Saturday and Sunday each feature Free Practice, Time qualifying, two heats and a Final.

WHERE WILL COTFA BE RACING IN 2026?

1. Kartodromo Internacional Lucas Guerrero, Valencia, Spain (February 27 - March 1)
2. Circuit 27, Thessaloniki, Greece (May 29 – 31)
3. Leopard Circuit Viterbo, Viterbo, Italy (July 10 – 12)
4. Muscat Speedway, Muscat, Oman (October 30 – November 1)
5. Al Ain Raceway, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (November 23 – 25)
6. Al Forsan International Sports Resort, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (November 30 – December 2)

WHY APPLY TO REPRESENT F1 ACADEMY DISCOVER YOUR DRIVE?

Following on from the success across the 2024 and 2025 seasons, applications are also now open to represent F1 ACADEMY DISCOVER YOUR DRIVE in the 2026 Champions of the Future Academy Program International. Up to three female karters in each age category (totalling nine karters) will be supported.

All F1 ACADEMY DISCOVER YOUR DRIVE applicants will receive:

• A hard copy of the Driver Development Guide
• Access to F1 ACADEMY DISCOVER YOUR DRIVE events and experiences throughout the year, including;
  • Virtual Driver Development Workshops
  • Driver Development face-to-face workshop with F1 ACADEMY Performance and Talent Development Manager, Katie Denver, at the first International and UK round of COTFA
  • Access to in person events held throughout the year – locations to be confirmed at a later date
  • Driver CV added to the F1 ACADEMY Driver Talent database for future consideration

For those drivers successfully selected to represent F1 ACADEMY DISCOVER YOUR DRIVE in 2026, in addition to the above they will receive:

• F1 ACADEMY DISCOVER YOUR DRIVE Branded race suit, gloves, boots and shirts
• F1 ACADEMY DISCOVER YOUR DRIVER Branded kart livery
• Financial contribution towards entry fees (30% discount contributed by RGMMC)
• Development support and guidance throughout the year from F1 ACADEMY’s Performance and Talent Development Team

HOW TO SIGN UP FOR COTFA?

Applications for the 2026 COTFA season are now closed. Applications will be reviewed and selected drivers notified by January 16.