F1 Academy Kicks Off 2026 Season in Shanghai with Expanded Grid and New Rivalries
The 2026 F1 Academy season is set to begin at the Shanghai International Circuit from March 13–15, marking the second consecutive year the Chinese track hosts the season opener.1 The series features an expanded grid of 18 drivers across six teams, promising a competitive season as they vie for the 2026 Championship title.
Meet the 2026 Grid
The 2026 season welcomes a mix of returning drivers, graduates from the Wild Card program and a fresh wave of rookies. Six drivers return for their second year, including four previous race winners, setting the stage for intense competition.2
- Returning Favorites: McLaren’s Ella Lloyd, last year’s Top Rookie, faces increased expectations. Doriane Pin and Abbi Pulling identify Red Bull Racing’s Alisha Palmowski as a strong contender. Alba Larsen, Nina Gademan, Emma Felbermayr, and Rafaela Ferreira are also expected to challenge for the championship.
- Rookie Challenge: Ava Dobson, Mathilda Paatz, Esmee Kosterman, Lisa Billard, and Payton Westcott, all Wild Card graduates, aim to prove their racing prowess. Natalia Granada, Ella Stevens, Kaylee Countryman (representing TGR Haas F1 Team), and Jade Jacquet will make their F1 Academy debuts in Shanghai.3
Teams Battle for Supremacy
All six teams appear well-prepared for the 2026 season. Reigning Champions PREMA Racing will aim to defend their title with a trio of rookies.2 Campos Racing, MP Motorsport, and Rodin Motorsport all benefit from retaining two drivers from the previous season, providing a solid foundation for development. ART Grand Prix and Hitech, fielding primarily rookies, hope to capitalize on the reverse grid races.
Last year’s season opener saw 11 drivers across all teams score points, but the distribution was uneven. Campos Racing led with 50 points, while Hitech and ART Grand Prix secured only one and two points respectively.2 The other teams will be looking to close this gap in Shanghai.
Shanghai International Circuit: A Demanding Test
The 5.451km Shanghai International Circuit, designed to resemble the Chinese symbol for ‘shang’ (meaning upwards), presents a challenging layout for the drivers.3 The track demands precision and bravery, particularly through the tightening sequence of Turns 1 to 4.
The circuit’s long straight between Turns 13 and 14 (1.2km) will test tire management, as drivers strive to maintain grip and defend their positions. Last year’s races saw Alisha Palmowski secure her maiden win, while Nina Gademan led Race 1 before a technical issue forced her retirement. Alba Larsen and Emma Felbermayr also demonstrated strong performances.2
2026 F1 Academy Schedule
The 2026 F1 Academy season consists of seven rounds across six countries:
- Round 1: Shanghai, China (March 13-15)
- Round 2: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (April 17-19)
- Round 3: Montreal, Canada (May 22-24)
- Round 4: Silverstone, Great Britain (July 3-5)
- Round 5: Zandvoort, Netherlands (August 21-23)
- Round 6: Austin, United States (October 23-25)
- Round 7: Las Vegas, United States (November 19-21)