Explore the world of F1 ACADEMY in Las Vegas
As F1: The Academy Premieres on Netflix, learn more about the all-female feeder series that will be racing in Las Vegas this year
Since it launched in 2023, F1 ACADEMY has set a new standard for driving change in motorsports. This dynamic, all-female single-seater series provides a platform to inspire and support young girls and women pursuing careers in racing with the ultimate goal of becoming a future Formula 1 driver.
The innovative racing series enjoys a high-profile stage, with all seven rounds (featuring 14 races) running as a support category at Grands Prix on the Formula 1 calendar. This year’s F1 ACADEMY championship will race for the first time at the FORMULA 1 HEINEKEN LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX on November 20-22. The Las Vegas Grand Prix will be the seventh and final round of the F1 ACADEMY 2025 season.
ALL ABOUT THE ACADEMY
All competitors in the one-make series must be between the ages of 16 and 25 and may compete in no more than two seasons. Running at Formula 4 level, F1 ACADEMY offers a balance of cost-effective racing with a technically advanced, competitive spec car. Powered by a 1.4-liter Autotecnica engine producing 174 horsepower, the Tatuus chassis can reach a top speed of 150 mph and accelerates from 0–62 mph in just 3.6 seconds.
With a grid of 18 identical cars, including one Wild Card for a local entrant per Grand Prix, F1 ACADEMY holds two races during a Grand Prix weekend, each lasting 30 minutes. The six teams that operate the Tatuus chassis are experienced outfits with proven success in junior single-seater championships. Additionally, all ten Formula 1 teams are affiliated with the F1 ACADEMY grid, with many female drivers already part of their junior development programs. These drivers receive intensive on- and off-track training, including simulator sessions and mental and physical preparation.
RACE SESSION STRUCTURE
Each round features two 40-minute practice sessions, giving drivers time to learn the track and fine-tune their car setups ahead of qualifying. The 30-minute qualifying session then sets the grid for Race 2, while the Race 1 grid is determined by reversing the top eight qualifiers. Race 1 awards points to the top eight finishers on a 10–1 scale. Race 2 follows the standard F1 points system, awarding 25 points to the winner down to one point for tenth place. An additional two points are awarded to the Race 2 pole-sitter.
THE 2024 CHAMPIONSHIP & 2025 CHAMPIONSHIP LEADERS
Last year, Alpine Academy driver Abbi Pulling clinched the title. It was a near-perfect season for the 21-year-old, who triumphed with a margin of 121 points over her nearest rival. Across the 14 rounds, Abbi dominated the campaign with ten pole positions, nine wins and five other podium finishes. Her story will be featured in the highly anticipated Netflix documentary series F1: The Academy, which premiered globally on May 28. This exclusive behind-the-scenes docuseries will spotlight the personal journeys of the drivers as well as showcase the thrilling on-track action from the past year.
The 2025 season is already off to a strong start, with the reverse-grid format adding even more excitement. So far, only one driver — Mercedes’ Doriane Pin — has taken more than one win. She trails Ferrari’s Maya Weug by just a single point in the drivers’ standings. The series has already visited China, Saudi Arabia, and Miami, with upcoming rounds in Canada, the Netherlands and Singapore before the season finale takes place under the lights at the high-speed Las Vegas Strip Circuit.
YOUR GUIDE TO F1 ACADEMY AT THE LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX
In a destination known for hosting world title fights, this year’s F1 ACADEMY championship could well go down to the wire in Las Vegas. The Las Vegas Strip Circuit’s long straights will guarantee plenty of slipstreaming and the tricky nature of the street course will ensure competitive, wheel-to-wheel battles during the FORMULA 1 HEINEKEN LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX weekend on November 20–22.
Fans with a three-day Heineken® GA+ ticket will get closer than ever to the action as it will include the option to get a look inside the F1 ACADEMY paddock located in the Koval Zone by Heineken®. Situated at the exit of Turn 4 — next to the first DRS zone, where drivers fight for position into Turn 5 — this section of the circuit traditionally delivers non-stop action.
The ticket includes bleacher-style seating with clear views of the track, an interactive Fan Zone, and access to the Heineken Silver Stage featuring live entertainment and driver interviews throughout the weekend. The FORMULA 1 HEINEKEN LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX is set to be another unforgettable race experience — so make sure you grab your ticket for the race now.
