The world of motorsport is no stranger to high stakes, raw talent, and gripping drama, but a new chapter is about to unfold that promises to redefine the narrative of Formula 1. “F1: The Academy,” a groundbreaking docuseries set to premiere on Netflix, shifts the spotlight to the all-female F1 Academy racing series, showcasing the grit, determination, and ambition of young women striving to break barriers in a historically male-dominated sport. With its release date fast approaching, this article dives into everything we know about “F1: The Academy,” including its premiere details, viewing options, and what fans can expect from this highly anticipated series.
Release Date and Premiere Details
“F1: The Academy” is set to premiere globally on May 28, 2025, exclusively on Netflix. All seven episodes of the docuseries will drop simultaneously, allowing fans to binge-watch the entire season in one sitting—a format that has proven successful with Netflix’s flagship motorsport series, Formula 1: Drive to Survive. The series is expected to launch at 12:00 AM PT, aligning with Netflix’s standard release schedule for new content. This debut timing ensures that motorsport enthusiasts worldwide can dive into the action as soon as it becomes available, whether they’re in the UK, the US, or beyond.
The announcement of the release date came on April 23, 2025, via posts on X from the official F1 Academy account and Netflix UK, generating significant buzz among fans. A trailer released on May 13, 2025, further heightened anticipation, offering a glimpse into the high-octane drama and personal stories that the series will explore. For those counting down the days, the premiere is just around the corner, promising an adrenaline-fueled journey into the heart of the F1 Academy racing series.
How to Watch “F1: The Academy”
Watching “F1: The Academy” is straightforward, as the series will be available exclusively on Netflix, accessible in over 190 countries. Netflix offers multiple subscription plans to cater to different viewer needs, ensuring flexibility for fans eager to tune in. In the United Kingdom, Netflix subscriptions range from £5.99 to £18.99 per month, depending on the plan (Standard with Ads, Standard, or Premium). In the United States, plans range from $7.99 to $24.99 per month, offering options for ad-supported viewing, ad-free streaming, and premium features like 4K resolution and spatial audio.
To watch, viewers will need an active Netflix subscription and can access the series through the Netflix app or website on various devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and gaming consoles. For motorsport fans without a subscription, Netflix’s flexible plans make it easy to sign up and enjoy “F1: The Academy” alongside other popular motorsport content like Formula 1: Drive to Survive. Additionally, the series will be available in English, with subtitles and dubbing options likely offered in multiple languages, given Netflix’s global reach.
For those interested in watching the F1 Academy races themselves, the 2024 season was broadcast in 160 countries and streamed on platforms like the F1 Academy’s YouTube channel, X Channel, and F1TV. While the docuseries focuses on behind-the-scenes storytelling, fans can complement their viewing experience by following live races or highlights on these platforms, especially for the 2025 season, which is already underway with races in Shanghai and Jeddah.
What Is “F1: The Academy” About?
“F1: The Academy” is a seven-part docuseries that chronicles the 2024 F1 Academy season, an all-female single-seater racing championship founded by the Formula One Group to develop and promote young female drivers. Produced by Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine, in collaboration with Formula 1, the series promises an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at the drivers, teams, and key figures shaping the future of women in motorsport. Drawing inspiration from the success of Formula 1: Drive to Survive, the docuseries combines high-speed racing action with personal narratives, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of its young stars.
The F1 Academy, launched in 2023, aims to bridge the gap between karting and higher-tier single-seater racing, offering female drivers aged 16–25 a platform to hone their skills and progress toward Formula 3, Formula 2, and potentially Formula 1. The series follows the 2024 season, which saw British driver Abbi Pulling clinch the drivers’ championship for Rodin Motorsport, while Prema Racing secured the team championship. With races held as support events for Formula 1 Grand Prix weekends, the F1 Academy has gained significant visibility, and the Netflix series is poised to amplify its reach even further.
The docuseries is guided by Susie Wolff, the managing director of F1 Academy and a former professional driver who made history as the first woman to participate in a Formula 1 weekend in over two decades. Wolff’s leadership and firsthand experience in the sport add depth to the series, offering viewers a mentor’s perspective on the pressures and opportunities faced by the drivers. Executive producers, including Reese Witherspoon, Sara Rea, Sarah Lazenby, and Susie Wolff herself, ensure a compelling blend of emotional storytelling and technical insight, making “F1: The Academy” accessible to both hardcore motorsport fans and newcomers.
Key Themes and Storylines
“F1: The Academy” promises to deliver a multifaceted narrative that goes beyond the racetrack. Here are some of the key themes and storylines viewers can expect:
1. Breaking Barriers in a Male-Dominated Sport
The F1 Academy was created to address the lack of female representation in motorsport, a sport historically dominated by men. The docuseries will spotlight the 15 drivers competing in the 2024 season, showcasing their efforts to rewrite the rules and challenge stereotypes. As Susie Wolff states in the trailer, “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. If you can’t cut it in F1 Academy, there’s not going to be much of a career left for you.” The high stakes are palpable, as these young women race not only for victories but also to secure a future in the sport.
2. Personal Stories and Emotional Depth
Much like Drive to Survive, “F1: The Academy” will delve into the personal lives of its drivers, offering fans a chance to connect with them on a human level. The trailer highlights drivers like Abbi Pulling, who emphasizes her focus on a racing career over external pressures, and Bianca Bustamante, a fan favorite who grapples with the balance between popularity and performance. Lia Block, the daughter of rally legend Ken Block, also features prominently, sharing her journey from rally racing to single-seater competition. These personal stories, combined with moments of triumph and setback, will create an emotionally charged viewing experience.
3. Technical Insights and Racing Action
The series will not skimp on the technical side of motorsport, offering viewers a glimpse into car aerodynamics, race-day engineering decisions, and pit-wall strategies. The F1 Academy cars, built on the Tatuus F4-T421 chassis with Pirelli tires and 174-horsepower turbocharged engines, are modified to align visually with Formula 1, enhancing the series’ connection to the pinnacle of motorsport. Fans can expect thrilling race footage, strategic discussions, and insights into the physical and mental demands of racing at this level.
4. The Role of Mentorship and Leadership
Susie Wolff’s presence as both a key figure in the series and the managing director of F1 Academy adds a layer of authority and inspiration. Her experience as a former driver and her leadership in initiatives like Dare to be Different underscore her commitment to fostering female talent. The docuseries will likely explore her mentorship, highlighting how she guides drivers through the pressures of competition and the complexities of the motorsport industry.
5. The Bigger Picture: Women in Motorsport
“F1: The Academy” is more than a racing series; it’s a movement to increase female participation in motorsport, both on and off the track. The docuseries will explore the broader impact of the F1 Academy, including its grassroots initiatives like F1 Academy Discover Your Drive, which aims to make motorsport more diverse and accessible. With backing from all 10 Formula 1 teams and major brands like Charlotte Tilbury and Tommy Hilfiger, the series underscores the growing momentum for women’s sports globally.
Notable Drivers and Teams
While the full cast of drivers featured in the docuseries has not been confirmed, several names have emerged as likely focal points based on their prominence in the 2024 season and mentions in promotional materials:
- Abbi Pulling: The 2024 F1 Academy drivers’ champion, racing for Rodin Motorsport, is a standout figure. Her dominance in the 2024 season, including a memorable performance in Miami, makes her a central character in the series.
- Lia Block: The Williams-backed driver and daughter of rally icon Ken Block brings a unique perspective, transitioning from rally to single-seater racing. Her story of following in her father’s footsteps while carving her own path is a highlight.
- Bianca Bustamante: A former McLaren development driver, Bustamante’s popularity and struggles to prove herself on the track add depth to the narrative.
- Maya Weug: As Ferrari’s first-ever female driver academy member, Weug’s podium streak and victory in Jeddah make her a driver to watch.
- Doriane Pin: The 2024 runner-up, competing for Mercedes, showcases the potential for F1 Academy drivers to progress to higher tiers.
The 2024 season featured six teams: Prema Racing, Rodin Motorsport, Campos Racing, MP Motorsport, ART Grand Prix, and Hitech TGR (joined in 2025). Each team fields three drivers, with cars sporting liveries from Formula 1 teams or sponsors, adding a visual connection to the main series.
The Impact of “F1: The Academy”
The launch of “F1: The Academy” marks a significant milestone for women in motorsport. By partnering with Netflix and Hello Sunshine, the F1 Academy is poised to reach a global audience, much like Drive to Survive did for Formula 1. The series is expected to inspire a new generation of female drivers, engineers, and fans, while highlighting the progress made since the W Series folded in 2022 due to financial challenges. The F1 Academy’s alignment with Formula 1 Grand Prix weekends and its increased visibility through live broadcasts in 160 countries further amplify its impact.
Reese Witherspoon’s involvement through Hello Sunshine underscores the series’ commitment to changing the narrative for women in sports. As she stated, “What we know is that when we put women at the center, people show up to watch.” This sentiment is echoed by Susie Wolff, who sees the docuseries as “rocket fuel” for driving female participation in motorsport. The series’ global reach on Netflix ensures that it will not only entertain but also spark conversations about diversity and inclusion in one of the world’s most demanding sports.
What to Expect from the 2025 Season
While “F1: The Academy” focuses on the 2024 season, the 2025 F1 Academy season is already underway, with races in Shanghai (March 21–23) and Jeddah (April 18–20). Upcoming rounds include Miami (May 2–4), Montreal (June 13–15), Zandvoort (August 29–31), Singapore (October 3–5), and Las Vegas (November 20–22). The addition of Hitech TGR as a sixth team and the inclusion of wildcard drivers who can now score points add new dynamics to the championship. Fans watching the docuseries can follow along with the 2025 season on F1 Academy’s YouTube, X, or F1TV for live coverage and highlights.
Final Thoughts
“F1: The Academy” is more than a docuseries; it’s a celebration of resilience, ambition, and the pursuit of excellence in the face of adversity. With its premiere on May 28, 2025, the series promises to captivate audiences with its blend of high-speed racing, personal storytelling, and a powerful message about breaking barriers. Whether you’re a lifelong Formula 1 fan or new to the world of motorsport, “F1: The Academy” offers a fresh perspective on a sport in transformation. Mark your calendars, subscribe to Netflix, and get ready to witness the rise of the next generation of female racing stars.
Sources: Motorsport.com, Sportskeeda, Netflix Tudum, F1Academy.com, Yahoo Sports, Autosport.com, IMDb
