It's now time for the infamous F1 summer break - where we go four full weeks without any F1 race, which means we finally have time to focus on something else. One thing you could choose to put your focus on is learning about the different series within the Formula 1 umbrella, such as F1 Academy.
So, what is F1 Academy? Well, simply put it's an all female junior level racing championship founded by F1. Besides it being an all female series, there are quite a lot of other differences from F1. One major difference is that all pilots drive the same car. It might have different team logos and colors, but the model and make of the car is the exact same across all 15 cars - which is another difference, instead of 20 drivers there are only 15. These 15 drivers are split into 5 different teams, with each team having three teammates. In collaboration with F1, each F1 team is also sponsoring a driver, who wear official team suits while being on another team - which is kind of funny.
Now that we have the 'what' out of the way, let's talk about the when and how. Unlike F1, the Academy program has far fewer races - as they only have seven. However, each of the seven races coincides with the F1 calender, so they race the same circuits on the same weekends as F1 does. The layout of the races is also a bit different, as they have two races instead of one. So their weekend calender is two practice sessions on fridays, two qualifying sessions and one race on saturdays and then a final race on sundays. Their races are also shorter than F1 races, as they do between 70-80 km, which is usuually around 12-15 laps, depending on circuit - and lasts around 30 mins. The points system, inclding the fastest lap point, is the same as F1.
The Academy also has a 'wild card' option for some races, where another talented female driver (from the host country) will get to participate in the races. The reigning team champions will operate and support the wild card entrance along with their three team members.
Now, we get to the why. Why participate in F1? What do the girls get out of it? Other than experience in racing a single seater card, the girls also get recognition - meaning they get other racing opportunites. We for example have Dorian Pin who is now also racing with the Iron Dames. Other drivers have also gotten opportunities to race in other series, which is obviously amazing for not just women but also motorsports as a whole.
Besides that, the top five drivers will get Super Licence Points. The winner will receive 10 points, while the drivers in second and third place will get seven and five points respectively. Fourth place gets three points and fifth place will recieve one point. This then makes them eligible for other series.
So, if you would like to support some awesome women as well as enjoy some more racing, I strongly suggest you start getting into F1 Academy - plus, once they make it to F1 it'll be cool to say you followed from the bottom.
For more information please visit the official F1 academy website at https://www.f1academy.com
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