Ava Lawrence joins Aston Martin driver academy at just 11

Aston Martin invest in emerging talent

Aston Martin have welcomed F1 ACADEMY DISCOVER YOUR DRIVE karter Ava Lawrence into their Driver Academy, underlining the team’s commitment to nurturing talent from the earliest stages of the motorsport ladder.

She became the first female MENA Cup Champion, the first female winner of a Mini race in ROK Cup Italy, and the first female driver to claim a podium in the Mini class of the COTFA International Series — markers of a young career defined by breakthrough performances.

Competing on the international stage

Racing under an Emirati licence, Lawrence is currently part of the F1 ACADEMY DISCOVER YOUR DRIVE initiative in the OK-N junior class of the British Champions of the Future Academy Program. She previously represented the programme in the Mini class of the International Series, continuing her steady progression through increasingly competitive categories.

Her move to the Aston Martin Aramco Driver Academy places her within a structured Formula One development environment at a formative stage of her career.

"I’m really excited to join the Aston Martin Aramco Driver Academy," said Lawrence. "It’s going to be such a huge step to help me improve my driving and become even better on track. I’m looking forward to meeting everyone on the team and learning from them."

She also described her visit to the AMR Technology Campus (AMRTC) as a standout moment.

"Getting to visit the AMR Technology Campus (AMRTC) for my announcement was so cool. My favourite part of the day was seeing the different materials they use on the Formula One cars and actually getting to touch parts of the car. It was so interesting to see how it’s all made!”

Aston Martin’s junior strategy

Nuno Pinto, Racing Director of the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team Driver Academy, emphasised the importance of early investment in emerging drivers.

“Bringing in talent at a junior level is an important part of our strategy, and Ava and Roland are excellent examples of the calibre of young driver that we want to bring in the programme. Both drivers have already shown impressive potential on the international stage, with strong performances in highly competitive categories. Having the opportunity to contribute to a driver’s development from such an early stage is incredibly important, allowing us to help shape their progression both on and off the track as they continue to grow in the sport.”

Lawrence joins F1 ACADEMY driver Mathilda Paatz as a member of the Aston Martin Aramco Driver Academy. She also becomes the second F1 ACADEMY DISCOVER YOUR DRIVE karter to join a Formula One driver development programme, alongside Sukhmani Khera in the Alpine Academy.

For Aston Martin, the addition signals a clear intent: identifying potential early and embedding it within a long-term pathway. For Lawrence, it represents a decisive step into the structure of a Formula One team — and the next phase of a rapidly developing career.