Ava Lawrence joins the Aston Martin Driver Academy

Aston Martin have welcomed F1 ACADEMY DISCOVER YOUR DRIVE karter Ava Lawrence to their Driver Academy.

At just 11 years old, Lawrence has already shown promise. Competing across Rotax, IAME and FIA-aligned categories, she has claimed multiple podium finishes. The Australian-born karter made history as the first female MENA Cup Champion, the first female winner of a Mini race in ROK Cup Italy, and the first female driver to achieve a podium in the Mini class of the COTFA International Series.

Lawrence, who races under an Emirati licence, is currently competing as an as an F1 ACADEMY DISCOVER YOUR DRIVE karter in the OK-N junior class of the British Champions of the Future Academy Program. She previously represented the initiative in the Mini class of the International Series.

"I’m really excited to join the Aston Martin Aramco Driver Academy," said Lawrence. "It’s going to be such a huge step to help me improve my driving and become even better on track. I’m looking forward to meeting everyone on the team and learning from them.

“Getting to visit the AMR Technology Campus (AMRTC) for my announcement was so cool. My favourite part of the day was seeing the different materials they use on the Formula One cars and actually getting to touch parts of the car. It was so interesting to see how it’s all made!”

Nuno Pinto, Racing Director of the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team Driver Academy, added: “Bringing in talent at a junior level is an important part of our strategy, and Ava and Roland are excellent examples of the calibre of young driver that we want to bring in the programme.

Both drivers have already shown impressive potential on the international stage, with strong performances in highly competitive categories. Having the opportunity to contribute to a driver’s development from such an early stage is incredibly important, allowing us to help shape their progression both on and off the track as they continue to grow in the sport.”

Lawrence joins F1 ACADEMY driver Mathilda Paatz as a member of the Aston Martin Aramco Driver Academy, and is the second F1 ACADEMY DISCOVER YOUR DRIVE karter to be part of an F1 driver development program, alongside Sukhmani Khera in the Alpine Academy.