Imogen Radburn Reflects on 'Surreal' F1 Academy Rookie Test Debut

Australian driver Imogen Radburn described her F1 Academy rookie test as 'surreal,' marking her international debut in the all-female championship. As the sole representative from the Southern Hemisphere, Radburn showcased steady progress over two days at Circuito de Navarra, completing 70 laps and significantly improving her lap times, all while overcoming health challenges earlier in the year.

Why it matters:

• Radburn's participation highlights F1 Academy's commitment to scouting global talent, even those without extensive motorsport backgrounds or major funding.
• Her strong performance, despite being an unfamiliar face and battling injuries, underscores the potential for new talent to emerge and challenge established prospects.
• This test is a crucial stepping stone for aspiring female drivers, offering invaluable experience in F1 Academy machinery and direct mentorship from figures like reigning champion Abbi Pulling.

The Details:

• Radburn was among 18 drivers selected for the two-day program at Circuito de Navarra, providing a crucial opportunity to experience F1 Academy cars and work with series engineers.
• She was the only driver from Australia and the Southern Hemisphere, and one of few who hadn't met the organizers in person prior to the event.
• On-Track Performance: Radburn completed 70 laps, improving her best time from 1m48.704s to 1m48.194s. She finished 14th in the morning session and 12th in the afternoon, demonstrating consistent progress.
• Preparation: Her invitation followed a long build-up, including an intensive six-week training program with Ollie Myers from Focus Driver Performance, undertaken despite health setbacks, including surgery and recovery earlier in the year.
• Car Differences: Radburn noted the F1 Academy car's heavier steering and more demanding physical braking compared to her Formula 4 machine, emphasizing the need for greater consistency.
• Mentorship: Reigning F1 Academy champion Abbi Pulling served as her mentor, providing valuable guidance and impressing Pulling with Radburn's continuous improvement.

The Big Picture:

Radburn's journey is a testament to resilience and rapid progression in motorsport. Starting karting only a few years ago without a motorsport family background or significant budget, her quick ascent to an international F1 Academy test is remarkable. Her ability to adapt and improve quickly against more experienced European and North American drivers underscores her natural talent and dedication.

What's next:

Radburn is now in a waiting game, hoping her performance at the rookie test will secure her a seat for the 2026 F1 Academy season. She believes she has done everything within her control to make her case, and her focus will now shift to applying lessons learned from the F1 Academy car to the final round of Australian F4, aiming to showcase her adaptability further.