The Champions of the Future Academy Program UK Series began at Silverstone, with drivers tackling a new layout in wet, typically British conditions.
With karts distributed and the season underway, the focus quickly turned to adaptation. Mini drivers worked with the Parolin/TM machinery, while OK-N Junior and Senior took to the circuit in the Kart Republic/IAME packages, all on LeCont tyres, putting the emphasis firmly on driver skill.
The day became a learning exercise, as drivers explored different lines across a wide and evolving circuit. As John Ryan, Motorsport UK’s Sport, Safety and Technical Director, explained: “It’s the first experience for many of the drivers… It's been a really intriguing day watching the different lines everyone is taking. I think this will create lots of overtaking”
Among those getting up to speed was Ava Lawrence: “In the OK-N junior round, the track, once you get used to it, it’s simple… There will be loads of overtaking opportunities because you can dive really easily”
Beyond the on-track action, the paddock saw a major milestone with the first-ever appearance of Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team colours in the Champions of the Future Academy Program, supporting Ava, marking another step in the growing presence of Formula 1 teams within the series.
Alongside this, F1 Academy’s support continues to expand, now extending its presence into the national level of the Champions of the Future Academy Program, further strengthening the pathway for emerging talent.
The extension of F1 Academy Discover Your Drive
As with every year of the Champions of the Future Academy Program, F1 Academy will have a presence, continuing its mission to support and champion young female drivers as they pursue their motorsport careers.
For the British edition of COTFA, the eight selected drivers are Khloe McGill, Arshi Gupta, Andie Stewart, Ava Lawrence, Sukhmani Khera, Lizzy Mentier, Eva Morris, and Emma Rose Dowling. McGill, Stewart, Lawrence, and Dowling have all previously experienced the series and will be eager to build on that foundation.
With rain limiting outright comparisons, the day remained an assessment phase, as Marco Parolin noted: “Because of the weather today, it was an assessment day… we have maybe not seen the full values”
Even so, important groundwork was completed throughout the day, with drivers progressively refining lines and adapting to a layout that already promises close and dynamic racing. With key references now established, all eyes now turn to the first competitive sessions and two full race days ahead.
Catch all the action LIVE on Saturday and Sunday.
11:15 - STREAM COUNTDOWN - 11:20 / OK-N JUNIOR Qualifying Heat 1 / 11:40 - MINI 60 Qualifying Heat 1 / 12:00 - OK-N SENIOR Qualifying Heat 1 / 13:00 - OK-N JUNIOR Qualifying Heat 2 / 13:20 - MINI 60 Qualifying Heat 2 / 13:40 - OK-N SENIOR Qualifying Heat 2 / 15:00 - OK-N JUNIOR Final / 15:30 - MINI 60 Final / 16:00 - OK-N SENIOR Final.