5 reasons why you should be watching the F1 ACADEMY season opener

The 2026 F1 ACADEMY season is set to begin at the Shanghai International Circuit, featuring a highly competitive grid of young female talents, including 11 rookies. Following the graduation of the top three drivers from last year, competitors like Ella Lloyd and Alisha Palmowski are emerging as early title favorites. The season will consist of seven rounds, with intense competition expected across the field. PREMA Racing remains a dominant force, though teams like Campos Racing and Rodin Motorsport are aiming to challenge their record-breaking tenure. The weekend schedule includes qualifying on Friday and races spanning Saturday and Sunday.