The Aston Martin Formulation 1 group has introduced German driver Mathilda Paatz as the most recent member of its Driver Academy. The Silverstone outfit will again the 17-year-old within the 2026 season of the F1 Academy.
Paatz will compete within the all-female racing sequence sporting the Aston Martin livery.
“I am actually proud to be representing Aston Martin Aramco in F1 Academy subsequent yr,” Paatz mentioned. “That is one thing I’ve labored extremely laborious for and my focus now is on making ready for the season forward.
“There will probably be tons to be taught, together with a number of new circuits, however I really feel assured figuring out I’ve a lot help from Aston Martin Aramco and PREMA Racing. I had an excellent first day on the AMR Know-how Campus in Silverstone assembly so many unbelievable folks from the Aston Martin Aramco group.
“I instantly felt at house and everyone was very welcoming. I could not be happier and I cannot wait to get racing!”
Paatz will enter her rookie season of F1 Academy on the again of competing within the French Formulation 4 Championship in 2024 and participating within the F4 CEZ, securing her first podium end on the Pink Bull Ring. She additionally raced within the Montreal spherical of the F1 Academy season because the wild card entry backed by Gatorade.
The German earned her spot with the British group after collaborating in a four-driver analysis programme on the Mugello Circuit.
Aston Martin driver ambassador and head of F1 Academy, Jessica Hawkins, added: “I am actually happy to be welcoming Mathilda to our group. F1 Academy continues to be such a superb platform for creating and showcasing rising expertise, providing younger drivers the help and visibility they should develop.
“The wonderful drivers competing within the sequence usually are not solely shaping the way forward for the game but in addition inspiring the following era of feminine racers, displaying what’s attainable when ardour is inspired and supported. We’re excited to start our journey with Mathilda and we want Tina [Hausmann] all one of the best within the subsequent chapter of her profession.”
Nuno Pinto, Aston Martin Driver Academy racing director, additionally defined: “In partnership with PREMA Racing, we carried out a complete analysis of 4 drivers earlier than deciding on who would symbolize Aston Martin Aramco within the 2026 F1 Academy sequence.
“To make sure a rigorous and truthful evaluation, we held a shootout on the demanding Mugello Circuit, giving every driver a day in an F4 automotive to showcase their capabilities.
“Mathilda not solely emerged because the quickest driver, but in addition demonstrated consistency, maturity and a aggressive spirit. Her efficiency was robust sufficient not simply to safe the F1 Academy seat, but in addition to earn herself a spot within the Aston Martin Aramco Driver Academy.
“We’re delighted to welcome her as each our F1 Academy driver and a member of our improvement programme, and we look ahead to supporting her all through this thrilling subsequent step in her profession.”
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