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

The Aston Martin Method 1 staff 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 stated. “That is one thing I’ve labored extremely exhausting for and my focus now is on making ready for the season forward.

“There can be tons to study, together with a number of new circuits, however I really feel assured understanding I’ve a lot help from Aston Martin Aramco and PREMA Racing. I had an ideal first day on the AMR Expertise Campus in Silverstone assembly so many unimaginable folks from the Aston Martin Aramco staff.

“I instantly felt at house and all people 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 Method 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 staff after participating 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 staff. F1 Academy continues to be such a superb platform for growing and showcasing rising expertise, providing younger drivers the help and visibility they should develop.

“The superb drivers competing within the sequence aren’t solely shaping the way forward for the game but additionally inspiring the following technology of feminine racers, displaying what’s potential 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 performed a complete analysis of 4 drivers earlier than choosing who would characterize 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 automobile to showcase their capabilities.

“Mathilda not solely emerged because the quickest driver, but additionally demonstrated consistency, maturity and a aggressive spirit. Her efficiency was sturdy sufficient not simply to safe the F1 Academy seat, but additionally 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.”