Champions of the Future – F1 Academy
Young drivers backed by F1 Academy experienced the thrill of victory during the inaugural round of the Champions of the Future karting series in Italy.
The recently launched karting series, known as Champions of the Future Academy (COTFA), made its debut at the Cremona International Circuit in Italy over the weekend.
COTFA kicked off its first of six rounds in 2024, featuring three different categories for both boys and girls: Mini (ages 9-12), OK-N Junior (ages 12-14), and OK-N Senior (ages 14-18).
In collaboration with F1 Academy, three female drivers were selected from each category to participate in the all-female series’ Discover Your Drive program.
Luna Fluxa, a driver supported by F1 Academy, dominated the qualifying heats and emerged victorious in both heat 1 and 2, as well as the final race of the opening day in the OK-N Senior category.
Ella Hakkinen, a 12-year-old driver and daughter of two-time Formula 1 World Champion Mika Hakkinen, triumphed in the second final of the junior class, showcasing her skills in both dry and wet conditions.
On Saturday, five female drivers achieved top ten finishes, with Sofia Povazhnaia securing the highest position among them.
As the championship moves to its next round in Valencia, Spain on May 10-12, three female drivers currently hold spots in the top ten of the overall standings.
Sara Matsui, a driver from Williams Academy, delivered a consistent performance throughout the event, finishing in the top ten multiple times alongside her fellow F1 Academy-supported drivers.
The list of female drivers who receive support from F1 Academy includes Sara Matsui, Victoria Farfus, Angelina Simons Torres, Sofia Povazhnaia, Ella Hakkinen, Vanesa Silkunaite, Amelia Wyszomirska, Katrina Ee Wing Thung, Vera Jurland, and Sujana and Sanjana Dandu.
F1 Academy provided branded karts and racing suits to their supported drivers throughout the weekend, and also offered an F1 Academy test opportunity to the top three female drivers in the Senior category.
Thanks to the collaboration between COTFA and F1 Academy, the participation of young girls in motorsport has been encouraged, resulting in an estimated 25% of female entries in the Italian round.
COTFA operates an accessible system called “arrive and drive,” where karting factories Parolin and Kart Republic provide the chassis, while TM Kart and IAME supply the engines.
Vega serves as the tire supplier for the series, and RGMMC, the promoter and motorsport event management company, provides fuel, tents, trolleys, and workbenches in the paddock.
The main objective of the series is to support young drivers in their progression through the ranks, enabling them to compete in a karting championship without facing financial burdens.