At 19 years old, Sofia Zanfari has reached a major milestone in her young career. The Moroccan driver is among the 18 rising talents selected for the prestigious 2026 F1 Academy Rookie Test, the all-female championship running alongside Formula 1 Grands Prix. This opportunity rewards her continuous progression and strong single-seater performances since her debut in 2025.
A comprehensive and demanding assessment programme
For the 2026 edition, F1 Academy is raising the bar of its evaluation process by partnering with the prestigious Loughborough University in the United Kingdom. From 25 to 27 August, the drivers first took part in an intensive training camp featuring physiological assessments, cognitive testing, and elite-level mental preparation workshops.
The selection process will continue on track from 9 to 11 September at the Navarra circuit in Spain, behind the wheel of cars run by the grid’s official teams. The stakes are high: impress the management and secure a race seat for the 2027 season.
Strong foundations in international karting
This step forward is built on an extensive foundation forged on kart tracks since 2014. From her early beginnings in 60 Mini to competing in OK and OK-N, Sofia contested top-tier events across Europe, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States. She notably made her mark in the Champions of the Future Academy Program, an essential stepping stone toward car racing.
Stepping up in the French FFSA F4 Championship
Following a promising rookie season in 2025 marked by several female podium finishes, Sofia is currently competing in her second French FFSA F4 Championship campaign in 2026, which now features an FIA-certified female classification.
A symbolic impact far beyond the track
As the first Moroccan female driver to race single-seaters, Sofia Zanfari is paving the way for women in motorsport throughout her region. Taking a decisive step toward Susie Wolff’s F1 Academy, she makes no secret of her enthusiasm:
“Representing my country at this level is a source of immense pride. I hope this selection inspires other young girls in Morocco and across the Arab world to pursue motorsport. My podium finishes in F4 have given me confidence, and after Loughborough, I head to Navarra with the firm determination to prove that our region fully belongs on the grid.”