French Pipeline Fuels F1 Academy’s Future: Billard and Jacquet Join the Grid
The F1 Academy is set to welcome two promising French drivers, Lisa Billard and Jade Jacquet, for the 2026 season, continuing a strong tradition of French talent nurtured by the Fédération Française du Sport Automobile (FFSA). This influx follows the success of Doriane Pin, the 2025 champion and underscores the effectiveness of the FFSA’s development programs.
Lisa Billard: From Karting Prodigy to F1 Academy
Lisa Billard, born in 2009, has rapidly ascended through the ranks of motorsport. She began karting at the age of seven, quickly demonstrating her potential with podium finishes in national and international competitions. In 2023, she achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first female driver to win a race in the Junior Karting category at Le Mans.
Billard’s talent attracted the attention of Alpine, who integrated her into their Rac(h)er program, dedicated to supporting women in motorsport. She transitioned to single-seaters, competing in the French Formula 4 Championship, where she secured her first points at Spa-Francorchamps and won the Female Trophy, recognizing the top-performing female driver in the series.
In 2025, Billard gained valuable experience with a wildcard entry in the F1 Academy race in Singapore, becoming the youngest driver to compete in the category. Despite an early retirement in the Saturday race, she finished 16th on Sunday. For the 2026 season, Billard will race with ART Grand Prix, with her car sporting Gatorade branding.
Jade Jacquet: A Rising Star Through the FFSA Academy
Jade Jacquet, also born in 2009, is another product of the FFSA Academy. She began her motorsport journey in karting in 2023 before transitioning to single-seaters and competing in the French Formula 4 Championship in 2025.
During her first full season in Formula 4, Jacquet consistently finished within the top 20 and secured the second position in the Female Trophy, trailing only Lisa Billard. In 2026, she will join the F1 Academy with the support of the Williams Racing academy and ART Grand Prix.
FFSA’s Expanding Influence in F1 Academy
The presence of Billard and Jacquet builds on the success of Doriane Pin and highlights the FFSA’s growing influence within the F1 Academy. Mathilda Paatz, a German driver who also benefited from FFSA Academy training and competed in the French Formula 4 Championship, will also join the 2026 grid with Prema, supported by the Aston Martin Driver Development program.
This demonstrates the FFSA’s role not only in developing French talent but also in attracting and nurturing international drivers within its structured programs.
The Importance of Female Racing Initiatives
The success of drivers like Pin, Billard, and Jacquet underscores the importance of initiatives like the F1 Academy and the Alpine Rac(h)er program in providing opportunities for women in motorsport. These programs offer crucial support, training, and exposure, helping to break down barriers and create a more inclusive racing environment.
FAQ
What is the F1 Academy?
The F1 Academy is a single-seater racing series designed to identify and develop young female drivers, providing a pathway to higher levels of motorsport.
What role does the FFSA play in developing drivers?
The FFSA Academy provides structured training, coaching, and support for emerging French talents in motorsport, as demonstrated by the success of Doriane Pin, Lisa Billard, and Jade Jacquet.
What is the Alpine Rac(h)er program?
The Alpine Rac(h)er program is dedicated to promoting women in motorsport, offering support and opportunities to talented female drivers like Lisa Billard.
Who will Lisa Billard and Jade Jacquet be racing for in 2026?
Both Lisa Billard and Jade Jacquet will be racing for ART Grand Prix in the 2026 F1 Academy season.
What support does Mathilda Paatz have for the 2026 season?
Mathilda Paatz will race with Prema, supported by the Aston Martin Driver Development program.
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