Payton Westcott Joins Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team for 2026 F1 ACADEMY Season
Sixteen-year-old American racer Payton Westcott is set to embark on a new chapter in her motorsport career, joining the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team for the 2026 F1 ACADEMY season, competing with PREMA Racing. This move marks a significant step for the young driver, who has rapidly progressed through the ranks of karting and single-seater racing.
From Karting to Formula Racing: A Rising Star
Westcott’s racing journey began at age 12 with competitive karting, where she quickly demonstrated her talent in events like the United States Pro Kart Series and California Pro Kart Challenge. She achieved a third-place overall finish in the Challenge of the Americas, laying a strong foundation for her future endeavors.
In 2024, Westcott was selected for the inaugural F1 ACADEMY DISCOVER YOUR DRIVE karters in the Champions of the Future Academy Program. Her transition to single-seaters in 2025 saw her compete in the Formula Winter Series, Italian F4 Championship, and E4 Championship, consistently delivering impressive performances.
Breaking Barriers and Achieving Milestones
Westcott’s achievements extend beyond podium finishes. She secured a Female Trophy win in the Formula Winter Series and became the first and only woman to win in the UAE Trophy Series. Her performance at the 2025 F1 ACADEMY season finale in Las Vegas, where she was a Wild Card entry supported by Visit Las Vegas, saw her finish sixth on her debut.
A Dual Programme for Accelerated Development
To further hone her skills, Westcott will participate in a dual programme, competing in both the F1 ACADEMY series and the Italian F4 Championship. This approach, according to Gwen Lagrue, Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team Driver Development Advisor, is designed to accelerate her progression and provide a solid foundation for her long-term ambitions.
“The 2026 season will be intense for Payton,” Lagrue stated. “Alongside F1 ACADEMY, she will continue racing in Italian F4 to further develop her race craft, technical understanding, and overall experience.”
Leveraging Experience: Mentorship from Doriane Pin
Westcott will benefit from the guidance of reigning F1 ACADEMY Champion Doriane Pin, who now serves as a Development Driver for Mercedes. Pin expressed her enthusiasm for supporting Westcott’s development, offering to share her knowledge and experience.
“Payton has the motivation and the mindset to make the most of this opportunity,” Pin said. “She has shown so far that she is a great up-and-coming talent with lots of room for continuing progression.”
The Growing Trend of F1 Academy and Female Driver Development
Westcott’s inclusion in the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team’s F1 ACADEMY program highlights a growing commitment to fostering female talent in motorsport. F1 ACADEMY, established to provide a pathway for young female drivers to reach Formula 1, is gaining momentum as a crucial stepping stone.
The series aims to address the historical underrepresentation of women in motorsport by offering a dedicated platform for competition and development. The involvement of established F1 teams like Mercedes demonstrates a shift towards greater inclusivity and a recognition of the potential within female drivers.
Pro Tip:
For aspiring racers, a dual programme like Westcott’s – combining a dedicated series like F1 ACADEMY with a national or regional championship – can provide invaluable seat time and accelerate skill development.
FAQ
Q: What is F1 ACADEMY?
A: F1 ACADEMY is a single-seater racing series designed to identify, develop, and prepare young female drivers for a career in motorsport, with the ultimate goal of reaching Formula 1.
Q: What is Payton Westcott’s racing background?
A: Westcott began karting at age 12 and has since competed in various karting series and single-seater championships, including Formula Winter Series, Italian F4, and E4.
Q: What role will Doriane Pin play in Westcott’s development?
A: Pin, the reigning F1 ACADEMY Champion, will serve as a mentor and provide guidance to Westcott as a Development Driver for Mercedes.
Q: Why is Mercedes supporting Payton Westcott?
A: Mercedes recognizes Westcott’s potential and believes her dual programme in F1 ACADEMY and Italian F4 will accelerate her development as a racing driver.
Did you understand? F1 ACADEMY is the first single-seater support series to race on the Las Vegas Strip.
Stay updated with the latest motorsport news and driver profiles. Visit the official Formula 1 website to learn more about F1 ACADEMY and the drivers shaping the future of racing.
