F1 ACADEMY Rookie Test Explained

F1 ACADEMY will break new ground this week by staging the series’ first-ever Rookie Test. Demonstrating a commitment to developing a pipeline for future talent, the test gives 18 up-and-coming female drivers a chance to show why they should be considered for a highly-coveted spot on the 2026 grid.

Before the rookies are in action, let’s take a look at what’s in store and who will be taking to the track...

WHAT IS THE ROOKIE TEST?

The aim of the Rookie Test is to provide exciting young prospects with an invaluable opportunity to showcase their skills and prove why they deserve a full-time seat or a Wild Card entry next season.

Their full day of running takes place directly following in-season testing, split across two three-hour sessions. All 18 drivers will be on track in equal machinery and conditions at the same time, working with some of the biggest teams in junior single-seater racing.

WHEN AND WHERE IS THE ROOKIE TEST?

Taking place alongside the official in-season testing at the Circuito de Navarra, the 2025 Rookie Test is split across two days on September 17-18. The 4.3km Spanish circuit features 17 turns and is frequently used for testing and in other Formula 4 level series, which should provide the drivers with a challenge to put together the perfect lap.

Driver development will be the focus on Day 1, as the rookies will immerse themselves in an F1 ACADEMY team, observing briefing and engineering sessions alongside the current grid. The series’ Official Driver Performance & Research Partner, More than Equal, will deliver research-led physical and cognitive assessments to provide the drivers with detailed insights to support their progression.

READ MORE: Weug quickest on opening day of Navarra in-season testing

These assessments will identify individual areas for growth by studying their strength, cognition and endurance alongside contributing to a wider evidence base on female driver performance, which will inform long-term strategies to better support female drivers at every stage of their careers.

Day 2 sees the participating drivers get behind the wheel of F1 ACADEMY machinery, with six hours of track time available. The morning session will run from 09:00 local time (UTC+2) until 12:00, followed by the afternoon session from 13:00 which will conclude at 16:00.

The drivers will have three sets of Pirelli tyres at their disposal, including one set carried over from the previous two days of F1 ACADEMY testing.

WHO CLASSIFIES AS A ROOKIE?

To participate in the 2025 Rookie Test, a driver cannot have driven in an F1 ACADEMY race weekend before. This means any previous Wild Card entries from both the 2024 and 2025 seasons do not qualify for the test.

Participants must be eligible to compete next year, which means they must be between the ages of 16 and 25 when entering their first race event of the 2026 season. In addition, they must hold a Grade B, C or D International Circuit FIA Licence or a national race licence issued by their ASN with a supporting letter to evidence her competence.

READ MORE: Weug aiming to keep up the pace in Singapore after sweeping Day 1 of Navarra testing

WHO WILL BE DRIVING?

In total, 18 drivers will be involved, with the six F1 ACADEMY teams fielding three drivers each. The participants, aged 15-21, bring with them a variety of racing experiences from Formula 4, GT racing and those eyeing up a transition into single-seaters.

Here is the full list of confirmed drivers for the 2025 F1 ACADEMY Rookie Test:

• Lisa Billard
• Laura Bourguet
• Annabelle Brian
• Megan Bruce
• Alexia Danielsson
• Eva Dorrestijn
• Autumn Fisher
• Zoe Florescu Potolea
• Natalia Granada
• Alexandra Herve
• Jade Jacquet
• Imogen Radburn
• Rachel Robertson
• Michalina Sabaj
• Emma Scarbrough
• Ella Stevens
• Alexandra Vateva
• Payton Westcott

WHY THE ROOKIE TEST MATTERS?

Proving the strength of the global female talent pool, the Rookie Test is a fantastic opportunity for F1 and F1 ACADEMY teams alongside Official Partners to evaluate potential drivers up against each other.

With the 2026 season not too far away, the rookies will need to seize the chance to put themselves in the fight for a seat. Although the 18 drivers are not guaranteed a spot on next year’s grid, an impressive performance could make all the difference to their future prospects.