Gatorade Fuels Future of Motorsport with F1 ACADEMY Driver Lisa Billard
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Gatorade is expanding its commitment to athletic performance and gender equity with a new sponsorship of rising motorsport star Lisa Billard, a rookie driver for F1 ACADEMY. The partnership underscores the brand’s “Fuel Tomorrow” initiative, aiming to provide young athletes – particularly women – with the science-backed resources needed to excel.
Gatorade’s investment in Billard comes as women’s sports experience unprecedented growth in visibility and investment. The 16-year-old driver has already demonstrated significant potential, becoming the 2025 Women’s Champion in the French F4 Championship at Le Mans and the first female to win a race in the French Junior Karting Championship. This success earned her a Wild Card entry for Round 6 of the F1 ACADEMY season in Singapore.
The collaboration will provide Billard with access to the expertise of the Gatorade Sports Science Institute (GSSI), focusing on personalized hydration and nutrition strategies. In January, Billard will participate in a three-day performance immersion program at the GSSI lab located on the IMG Academy campus, laying the groundwork for her 2026 F1 ACADEMY season. This will include elite-level sweat testing and tailored recovery protocols.
Addressing a Performance Gap for Female Athletes
According to recent Gatorade research, a significant disparity exists in the performance support offered to female athletes. While 58% of women recognize their unique physiological needs, only 38% believe they receive equal attention compared to their male counterparts. A concerning 70% of elite and retired female athletes reported only receiving credible expert advice on female-specific needs after turning professional, highlighting a critical gap in early-stage support.
“Female athletes often receive performance support later than men, missing out on formative years that help shape careers,” a company release stated. Furthermore, the research revealed that only 28% of girls aged 14–25 feel confident in their ability to properly fuel their bodies for optimal performance, and just half of all women feel adequately informed about their hydration needs.
Billard on the Importance of Science-Backed Support
The demands of single-seater racing are exceptionally high, requiring peak physical conditioning. “Single-seater racing pushes your body to the limit. You can lose up to 4kg of fluid, burn huge amounts of calories, and race in hot temperatures,” Billard explained. “So, working with a brand like Gatorade and GSSI to understand my hydration and recovery couldn’t be more important. I’m so excited to take on my first season of F1 ACADEMY in 2026, with the support of Gatorade behind me.”
Gatorade’s Broader Commitment to F1 ACADEMY
This partnership extends beyond Billard’s individual performance. Gatorade has also become an Official Partner of F1 ACADEMY for the 2026 season and beyond, demonstrating a commitment to increasing female participation in motorsport at all levels.
Erick Scheel, President of PepsiCo Latin America Beverages, emphasized the significance of this investment. “We are setting a precedent for young female athlete support and showcasing how when athletes get the right resources at the right time, everything changes,” he said. “This partnership exemplifies the Gatorade ‘Is It In You?’ philosophy: to spark performance by leverage our knowledge and understanding of the science of hydration. By ensuring Lisa has access to science-backed resources and tailored performance support at this pivotal stage of her career, we’re empowering her to reach her potential and inspire the next generation.”
Gatorade’s move signals a growing recognition of the importance of investing in female athletes and providing them with the tools they need to succeed, both on and off the track.
