Aston Martin announces 17-year-old German driver for 2026 F1 Academy campaign

The Aston Martin Formula 1 team has announced German driver Mathilda Paatz as the newest member of its Driver Academy. The Silverstone outfit will back the 17-year-old in the 2026 season of the F1 Academy.

Paatz will compete in the all-female racing series sporting the Aston Martin livery.

"I'm really proud to be representing Aston Martin Aramco in F1 Academy next year," Paatz said. "This is something I've worked incredibly hard for and my focus now is on preparing for the season ahead.

"There will be lots to learn, including several new circuits, but I feel confident knowing I have so much support from Aston Martin Aramco and PREMA Racing. I had a great first day at the AMR Technology Campus in Silverstone meeting so many incredible people from the Aston Martin Aramco team.

"I immediately felt at home and everybody was very welcoming. I couldn't be happier and I can't wait to get racing!"

Paatz will enter her rookie season of F1 Academy on the back of competing in the French Formula 4 Championship in 2024 and taking part in the F4 CEZ, securing her first podium finish at the Red Bull Ring. She also raced in the Montreal round of the F1 Academy season as the wild card entry backed by Gatorade.

The German earned her spot with the British team after taking part in a four-driver evaluation programme at the Mugello Circuit.

Aston Martin driver ambassador and head of F1 Academy, Jessica Hawkins, added: "I'm really pleased to be welcoming Mathilda to our team. F1 Academy continues to be such a brilliant platform for developing and showcasing emerging talent, offering young drivers the support and visibility they need to grow.

"The amazing drivers competing in the series are not only shaping the future of the sport but also inspiring the next generation of female racers, showing what's possible when passion is encouraged and supported. We're excited to begin our journey with Mathilda and we wish Tina [Hausmann] all the best in the next chapter of her career."

Nuno Pinto, Aston Martin Driver Academy racing director, also explained: "In partnership with PREMA Racing, we conducted a comprehensive evaluation of four drivers before selecting who would represent Aston Martin Aramco in the 2026 F1 Academy series.

"To ensure a rigorous and fair assessment, we held a shootout at the demanding Mugello Circuit, giving each driver a day in an F4 car to showcase their capabilities.

"Mathilda not only emerged as the fastest driver, but also demonstrated consistency, maturity and a competitive spirit. Her performance was strong enough not just to secure the F1 Academy seat, but also to earn herself a place in the Aston Martin Aramco Driver Academy.

"We are delighted to welcome her as both our F1 Academy driver and a member of our development programme, and we look forward to supporting her throughout this exciting next step in her career."

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