F1 Academy to collaborate with Champions of the Future on new global karting series

F1 Academy has today announced a collaboration with acclaimed international karting series Champions of the Future (COTF), to support the launch of a new junior series, Champions of the Future Academy Program with select participants supported by F1 Academy Discover Your Drive (COTFA). This new global series aims to increase female participation and inclusion in national and international karting competitions by breaking down the barriers to entry. COTFA will implement a series of cost control measures, including a limit on entry fees and an engine and chassis lottery system, to decrease the financial requirements for competitors. The series will be comprised of three mixed gender categories, Minis (ages 8-11), Juniors (ages 11-14) and Seniors (ages 14-17). The aim is for participants to compete in six double-header race weekends around the world, with at least one race taking place outside of Europe. As part of the collaboration, F1 Academy will support three female drivers in each category, to participate in the series in an F1 Academy-branded kart and race suit. These participants will also receive financial support with entry fees. The best three female drivers in the Seniors category will also be invited to an official F1 Academy test.Additionally, F1 Academy will also use the COFTA platform to raise awareness for F1 Academy Discover Your Drive youth participation and talent identification initiatives when it joins the F1 calendar in 2024. To support continued talent identification at junior levels Champions of the Future President, James Geidel will work closely with Susie Wolff to identify promising karters who show the skills and traits needed to progress through the junior levels. F1 Academy is committed to increasing the pipeline of female talent on and off track, and COTFA represents the latest initiative by F1 Academy to help increase accessibility and improve the opportunities for young girls who want to get into motorsport.