Because today the Sauber Formula 1 team (Audi from 2026) presented its new driver for the Formula Academy, the most serious junior series to date for young women on the way to professional motorsport, maybe even to Formula 1 one day .
And the chosen one comes – from Austria! Emma Felbermayr, 17 years old and part of a famous motor racing family: Her father and grandfather, who died in 2020, often drove the 24 hours of Le Mans in a Porsche, sometimes side by side with Le Mans legend Richard Lietz (who, by the way, celebrates his 41st birthday today). Her brother Horst Felix is also talented and successful in racing – currently in the Porsche Carrera Cup.
Also amazing: Emma will drive in the Rodin Motorsport team, which is experienced and successful in many racing classes and won the F1 Academy this year with the British Abbi Pulling. The draw dominated the women’s competition by choice; Formula 4 cars are used.
Felbermayr started her sporting career at the age of seven in karting. She competed in her first international race at the age of 13, and in 2021 she finished second in the ADAC Women’s Cup.
So now the great opportunity that is taking place in a championship that – under the leadership of Susie Wolff – has a much more holistic and sensible approach in contrast to the completely flopped Formula W – there is a maximum age and every single woman is allowed to go in competition for. this racing series stays for a maximum of two seasons, ensuring that new talents always have a fair chance here. Felbermayr’s predecessor at Stake Sauber is the well-known fast German Carrie Schreiner, who is leaving the series after two years – but remains with the team as an ambassador in addition to her racing activities.
At Schreiner you could see how closely the women are connected to the processes of the Formula 1 team; they can count on the best possible training starting with the simulator.
Felbermayr from Upper Austria, whose family runs one of the largest transport and lifting technology companies in Central Europe, is clearly happy and optimistic: “I am proud and very much looking forward to being able to start add to the season for Kick Sauber,” said Felbermayr. ” This is a great opportunity to take the next step in my career and challenge myself at this exciting level. I’m looking forward to presenting the team and growing as a driver. to start and see what we can do together.”
Mattia Binotto, Sauber team director, is also very impressed: “We are delighted to welcome Emma to the team. She is young, but she has already shown her potential. We are delighted that she will represent us on the international stage starting next year. This is the start of an exciting journey and we can’t wait to see what we can achieve together. Welcome to the family, Emma.”
The races take place as part of Formula 1 and therefore in front of hundreds of thousands of spectators – from March 21 to 23 in China, then in Saudi Arabia, Miami, Montreal, Zandvoort, Singapore and Las Vegas. After a major generational change in 2025, the 18 cars will now feature many new female drivers. Including Lia Block, daughter of Ken Block.
The Calendar from the F1 Academy 2025
March 21 – 23rd Shanghai
18. – 20. April Jeddah
2. — 4. Not Miami
June 13 – 15, Montreal
29. – 31. August Zandvoort
3 October – 5th Singapore
20. – 22. November Las Vegas.
All races will be broadcast on ORF or Servus TV or their streams.