F1 ACADEMY launches Driver Development Guide to inform and empower young girls in the world of motorsport

F1 ACADEMY has announced the launch of a new Driver Development Guide, supported by >= More than Equal, the Official Driver Performance & Research Partner of F1 ACADEMY.

The first-of-its-kind guide is aimed at young girls at any stage in their motorsport journey and has been developed by the F1 ACADEMY Performance & Talent Development team in response to the pressing need for a clearer understanding of the specific support young girls require to enter and progress up the motorsport ladder.

The body of research is designed to provide detailed insights for young girls and their support network and help to create the foundations required to support a career in motorsport. It includes chapters covering technical race craft, health-specific advice for female drivers, physical development and mental skills, as well as social influences that shape performance and lifestyle.

The guide can be downloaded, free of charge, from the newly launched Driver Development Hub on the F1 ACADEMY website, which will continue to expand its bank of resources over time. The hub also features links for parents and caregivers to find event opportunities and gain additional insights or drivers and their support networks, including nutrition fundamentals.

Through the hub, drivers and their caregivers can also register to participate in a series of Driver Development Virtual Workshops, designed to bring the Driver Development Guide to life and provide further access to expert insights. The interactive sessions will offer a unique opportunity to delve deeper into the key aspects of driver development as well as directly engage with industry professionals and gain practical guidance on completing the tasks outlined in the guide.

Susie Wolff, Managing Director of F1 ACADEMY, said: "We know for the long-term success of F1 ACADEMY, it's essential that we have more girls racing so that the best can rise to the top. It has taken a lot of hard work over the past year to create this first-of-its-kind guide. Supporting and nurturing young female talent is at the heart of this series; that’s why we have worked with experts to provide a comprehensive resource that can inform and help any young girl in her motorsport journey.

"The guide is designed to support drivers and their parents in whatever category their daughters are racing, or even if they are just interested in entering the sport. This guide, the Driver Development Hub, and the online webinars are providing the resources we hope will help young girls maximise their potential to become the best racing drivers they can be.”

Katie Denver, F1 ACADEMY Performance & Talent Development Manager, added: “We know that unlocking the final few tenths on track is crucial, and young drivers often have to look beyond the car to find small improvement areas or 'marginal gains.' With this in mind, we want to support every aspect of up-and-coming female talent development; and so, with the support of industry experts, the driver development guide takes a truly holistic approach - from physical and mental conditioning guidance to understanding technical skill and tactical thinking. It's about building well-rounded young drivers who are prepared for the demands and pressures of the highest levels of the sport, both on and off track.”