Applications now open for Champions of the Future Academy Program International and UK series

Applications are now open for young karters to sign up for the 2026 Champions of the Future Academy Program International Series, with F1 ACADEMY also looking for talented young female karters to represent F1 ACADEMY DISCOVER YOUR DRIVE in the series next year.

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. 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.

The COTFA International series will race across six rounds:

1. Kartodromo Internacional Lucas Guerrero, Valencia, Spain (March 6 – 8)
2. Circuit 27, Thessaloniki, Greece (May 29 – 31)
3. Leopard Circuit Viterbo, Viterbo, Italy (July 17 – 19)
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)

The British COTFA series will take place across four rounds:

1. Kart Silverstone, Towcester, Northamptonshire (March 27 – 29) TBC
2. PF International Kart Circuit, Grantham, Lincolnshire (May 15 – 17)
3. Larkhall Circuit International, Larkhall, South Lanarkshire (June 19 – 21)
4. Whilton Mill, Daventry, Northamptonshire (August 21 - 23)

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

Karters who meet the age criteria can sign up for the series via the Champions of the Future Academy website. To be apply for F1 ACADEMY DISCOVER YOUR DRIVE support, you need to submit your racing CV to COTFA by January 12. Applications will be reviewed and selected drivers notified by January 16. Applications made after January 12 will not be considered.