Victoria Farfus sets the pace in F1 Academy Rookie Test

Victoria Farfus topped the timesheets as F1 Academy wrapped up its 2026 Rookie Test at Circuito de Navarra. The 15-year-old Brazilian posted a 1:46.988 to finish three tenths clear of Sofia Zanfari and Rosanne Den Drijver in the morning segment, capping a day that saw 18 drivers from 14 countries complete 1,447 laps.

Why it matters:

The Rookie Test is a crucial pathway for young female drivers to demonstrate their potential for a full-time seat or Wild Card opportunity on a level playing field. Seven drivers from the inaugural event have already graduated, including Zandvoort Reverse Grid Race winner Payton Westcott and podium finishers Megan Bruce and Natalia Granada.

The Details:

• The afternoon running saw Alexia Danielsson top the timesheets with a 1:47.259 in the McLaren OXAGON-liveried car, beating Ella Lähdemaa and Farfus by two tenths.
• Familiar names included 2026 Wild Cards Autumn Fisher and Zoe Florescu, plus Mercedes junior Luna Fluxa Cross.
• This year's expanded format added a Rookie Training Camp at Loughborough University, where drivers undertook physical and cognitive assessments before joining F1 Academy teams for two days of in-season testing.

What's next:

Katie Denver, F1 Academy's Performance & Talent Development Manager, praised the preparation and commitment shown by all participants. The test, she said, offered valuable insight into the strengths and development areas of the next generation of female racing talent — and the series will be watching closely as these rookies push for future opportunities.