Alexia “Lexi” Danielsson has secured a wild card entry to compete in the F1 Academy race at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, according to the official announcement on Sept. 17, 2026. The 17-year-old driver from Storvreta will race during the United States Grand Prix weekend on Oct. 24–25, 2026, marking a historic return for Swedish female drivers to the Formula 1 support bill.
Historic Milestone at Circuit of the Americas
Danielsson becomes the first Swedish female driver in 37 years to compete during a Formula 1 race weekend, and the first to do so in a formula car. The last Swedish woman to race during a Grand Prix weekend was Nettan Lindgren, who drove in the BTCC supporting the British Grand Prix at Silverstone in 1989. Nearly 500,000 racing fans are expected to crowd around the Austin circuit for the event, where F1 Academy hosts races alongside the main Formula 1 championship.
Did you know? F1 Academy is a championship for young female racing drivers, running seven events per season alongside Formula 1.
McLaren Test and Rookie Success
The wild card opportunity follows a standout performance during a rookie test in Spain hosted by McLaren. Danielsson competed against 18 of the world’s top female racing talents aged 16 to 25. She recorded the fastest time during one session and finished with the second-best overall time of the test. “That first getting the chance from McLaren and then performing so well at the F1 Academy test was bigger than I had dared hope for,” Danielsson said, according to the announcement.
Development With More Than Equal
Ahead of the season, Danielsson joined the More Than Equal driver development program, which is run by others including former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard with the goal of producing the first female Formula 1 world champion. Throughout the year, Danielsson has driven Formula 4 races across Europe as part of the program. “All the support from More Than Equal has really made a difference,” Danielsson said. “I feel like a much more complete and stronger driver now than at the beginning of the year.” TeamViewer is sponsoring Danielsson’s wild card entry in Austin.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Alexia Danielsson’s F1 Academy race?
She will compete on the weekend of October 24–25, 2026, at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.
What historic record does this break?
Danielsson is the first Swedish female driver to compete during a Formula 1 weekend since 1989, and the first to do so in a formula car.
Who sponsors the wild card entry?
TeamViewer is sponsoring Danielsson’s wild card appearance in Texas.
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