F1 Academy announces rookie test expansion with Loughborough University training camp

F1 Academy is set to expand its rookie test for 2026 with the introduction of a new rookie training camp, organized in collaboration with Loughborough University. A total of 18 prospective F1 Academy drivers have been chosen to participate in the training camp. The first stage will take place at Loughborough University from August 25-27, featuring physiological profiling, cognitive assessments, and VALD performance screening.

Additional workshops and seminars will be hosted by university specialists, along with driver preparation. Lou Gear, director of sport at Loughborough University, expressed pride in welcoming the F1 Academy rookies to the institution, highlighting the shared belief in talent, hard work, opportunity, and world-class performance environments.

Katie Denver, performance and talent development manager at F1 Academy, emphasized that the 2026 Rookie Training Camp will provide a science-backed approach to athlete development, helping drivers understand their physical, cognitive, and behavioral performance. The second part of the camp will be held at the Circuito de Navarra in Spain from September 9-11, where drivers will experience an F1 Academy team environment, shadow engineering sessions, watch operational briefings, receive media training, and ultimately race in F1 Academy machinery.

This collaboration aims to support drivers on and off the track, fostering an environment for ambitious young people to thrive and fulfill their potential, with a particular focus on championing women in sport and inspiring the next generation of talented female athletes.