Since its launch in 2023, F1 Academy has sent a strong signal to the entire motorsport community, playing a key role in accelerating the push towards greater inclusivity both inside and beyond the racetrack.
Now entering its fourth season, the championship brings together 18 drivers competing at some of the most iconic Formula 1 venues on the calendar, supported by all ten Formula 1 teams as well as several globally recognized brands. At the heart of the series is the Tatuus T-421 F1A, developed exclusively for the championship and powered by the ATM Abarth 1.4-litre turbo engine.
For Tatuus and Autotecnica Motori, both part of the Korus Group, being involved in F1 Academy means contributing to a shared vision: creating opportunities, supporting the development of emerging talent, and helping make motorsport increasingly accessible to new generations of drivers and future champions.
To explore what competing in F1 Academy truly means, and to understand the role women are playing in shaping the future of the sport, Tatuus spoke with four drivers currently racing in the 2026 season: Alisha Palmowski (Red Bull Racing, Campos Racing), Esmee Kosterman (LEGO, MP Motorsport), Emma Felbermayr (Audi, Rodin Motorsport) and Rachel Robertson (Puma, Hitech).
Their stories reflect different backgrounds, personalities and paths into motorsport, but they also reveal a common thread: the belief that their journey extends beyond competition itself. Through their performances, determination and visibility, they are helping inspire a new generation of young women to see motorsport as a place where they can belong, compete, grow and leave their mark.
1. When you reflect on your role as a driver competing on one of motorsport’s biggest stages, what is it that gives you the greatest sense of pride in what you are doing today?
Alisha - Being a role model gives me a huge sense of pride. Being able to inspire young girls whilst also focusing on developing myself further as a driver and progressing my own career makes me very proud to do what I do.
Rachel - What gives me the greatest sense of pride is knowing how unlikely this journey has been. I started racing much later than most drivers and to now be competing in F1 Academy alongside some of the best upcoming female drivers in the world is something I’m incredibly proud of. It shows what can happen when you commit to something completely and refuse to put limits on what you can achieve.
Esmee - I'm really proud of what we're doing for the next generation. When I started racing, there weren't many female role models in motorsport that I could look up to. Now I have the opportunity to help inspire young girls and show them that this path is possible
2. Every time you get into the car, is there a feeling or a moment you are searching for on track? What would you describe that in your own words?
Alisha - Every time I’m out on track, I’m searching for an almost subconscious rhythm where I feel I can drive the car completely naturally using gut instinct rather than being in my head. That’s where I feel the most confident and able to unlock the most performance.
Rachel - The feeling I’m always searching for is that moment when everything just clicks. When you’re not really thinking anymore, you’re just reacting. The car feels like an extension of you, and every input feels natural. It’s difficult to describe, but it’s almost like time slows down and everything becomes really clear. Those are the moments every driver chases because that’s when you’re operating at your best.
Esmee - It's hard to describe, but it's that feeling when everything comes together and you're completely in the moment. Nothing else is on your mind. Adrenaline, speed, and the enjoyment of driving; it all just feels right. That's the feeling I'm always chasing when I get in the car.
3. Within the context of F1 Academy, what is it about this environment that allows you to fully express yourself as a driver and perform at your best?
Emma - For me, F1 Academy is the perfect place to grow as a driver. Everyone here is pushing for the same goal, so the level is really high, and that motivates me to give my best every single day. At the same time, I feel like I can be myself and show who I am, both on and off track. It’s an environment where I feel challenged, supported, and able to keep improving.
Rachel - F1 Academy pushes you in every area. The level of competition is high, the standards are professional, and every detail matters. I enjoy being in an environment where you’re challenged every day because it forces you to keep improving. It’s also a platform that gives female drivers the opportunity to show what they can do on a global stage, and I feel very privileged to be part of that.
Esmee - F1 Academy has given me a really important opportunity, both on and off track. It gives female drivers a platform to develop, compete at a high level and grow their careers. Being part of that environment pushes me to be better every day and gives me the confidence to express myself as a driver.
4. Thinking back to your first experience in a Tatuus car, what do you remember most clearly about the initial feeling, feedback, and overall connection with the car?
Emma - I remember being surprised by how alive the car felt. Everything happened so much faster than what I was used to, and every little input made a difference. After a few laps, I started to trust the car more and more, and that feeling of being completely connected to it was really exciting. It was one of those moments where I thought, “Okay, this is where I want to be.”
Rachel - The thing that stood out most was how responsive it was. Every input had an immediate reaction. It felt more precise and more alive than anything I’d driven.
Esmee - Coming from touring cars, stepping into a Tatuus for the first time was a completely different experience. Everything felt faster, more physical and more precise. I remember being amazed by the grip and the feeling of downforce. But at the same time, it felt surprisingly natural. It was one of those moments where you realise you're living a dream, and honestly, I fell in love with the car straight away.
5. What does it mean to you to be part of a generation bringing more women into the paddock, and what impact do you hope to leave on the future of motorsport?
Emma - It means a lot because I know there are so many young girls watching us and dreaming about being here one day. Growing up, there weren’t always a lot of female role models in motorsport, so being able to help change that is really special. I hope we can show that racing is for everyone and make it feel more normal to see women competing at the highest levels of the sport.
Rachel - It’s something I’m very proud to be part of. Motorsport is becoming more accessible and more visible for women than ever before, and that’s creating opportunities that simply didn’t exist in the past. If I can help show young girls that motorsport is a realistic path for them, then that’s really important to me. I hope my journey encourages people to be ambitious, back themselves and realise that they don’t have to follow a traditional route to succeed.
Esmee - When I started racing, I was often the only girl on the grid. That's already starting to change, and programmes like F1 Academy are helping accelerate that change even more. I hope the impact we leave is that young girls grow up seeing motorsport as a place where they belong. Not because they're girls, but because they're racers.
6. To close, each driver is invited to complete the sentence: “I belong here because…”
Emma - I belong here because I’ve worked for it and kept working through the tough moments.
Rachel - I belong here because I’ve never let being late to the sport define how far I can go.
Esmee - I belong here because I've worked very hard to be here and this has been my dream for as long as I can remember.
The stories of these four young drivers demonstrate how F1 Academy is already creating a tangible impact on the development of female talent within modern motorsport. The number of young women entering the world of racing has been growing for several years, thanks to the commitment of everyone working towards a future capable of overcoming barriers, but above all thanks to the girls themselves, who with courage, determination and talent continue to challenge themselves on F1 Academy circuits and compete against their rivals in championships around the world.
A harmonious combination between people and the technical foundation provided by the cars and their engines, which every day contributes to shaping the future of motorsport.




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