Austrian rising star Emma Felbermayr returns for 2026 F1 Academy campaign with Audi

Emma Felbermayr will contest her sophomore F1 Academy campaign in 2026, representing Audi on the all-female series grid. The 19-year-old Austrian driver concluded her inaugural season with considerable promise, finishing 10th in the drivers' standings despite competing against an elite field of international talent. Her rookie campaign showcased the hallmarks of a driver destined for higher levels of motorsport: consistency, adaptability, and breakthrough moments under pressure.

Felbermayr's 2025 season was defined by steady progression and a defining moment in Montreal. The Austrian secured six points-scoring finishes throughout the campaign, demonstrating her ability to consistently challenge the series' established contenders. Most significantly, she delivered her maiden F1 Academy victory in a dramatic final-lap sprint in Montreal Race 2, a result that crystallized her potential and justified the investment from her key stakeholders.

Beyond the headline statistics, Felbermayr's development during her rookie year extended across multiple single-seater categories. She competed in the Spanish F4 Championship throughout 2025 and has maintained her preparation momentum during the winter break with a three-round appearance in the UAE4 Series. This multi-series approach reflects a strategic pathway designed to accelerate her progression through the junior formulae hierarchy.

Audi's commitment to female talent and driver development

The retention of Felbermayr represents far more than a straightforward contract renewal—it signals Audi's strategic commitment to nurturing diverse talent within its Formula 1 operations. As the manufacturer prepares to assume control of the Sauber F1 team in 2026, investing in female driver development has emerged as a cornerstone of its broader project to support the next generation of elite motorsport talent.

Felbermayr's induction into the newly-established Audi Driver Development Programme underscores this philosophy. By joining this initiative, the Austrian gains access to comprehensive resources spanning technical expertise, performance engineering, human performance coaching, and media development—all critical components in preparing drivers for the rigours of Formula 1 competition.

Allan McNish, Director of the Audi Driver Development Programme, articulated the manufacturer's vision clearly: "Supporting female talent is a key priority for our F1 operations, and it is a source of pride for us to continue the legacy of strong female drivers who have succeeded with the Four Rings." This commitment builds upon Audi's rich motorsport heritage, which has nurtured legendary female competitors including World Rally Championship pioneer Michèle Mouton and endurance racing star Rahel Frey.

The Rodin Motorsport lineup and 2026 outlook

Felbermayr will complete Rodin Motorsport's 2026 F1 Academy lineup alongside McLaren-backed drivers Ella Lloyd and Ella Stevens. This configuration positions her within a cohesive team structure designed to optimize performance while maintaining competitive intensity between drivers. The presence of McLaren connections within the team structure reflects the broader interconnectivity of senior F1 operations with F1 Academy talent pipelines.

The Austrian driver expressed genuine enthusiasm about representing the Audi colours in her sophomore campaign: "Continuing in F1 Academy and to now do so as an official Audi Revolut F1 Team driver is a huge honour. To be associated with a brand that has such an incredible motorsport history, and one that supported icons like Michèle Mouton and Rahel Frey, is truly inspiring." Her stated ambition is unambiguous—to represent the brand with pride, consolidate the learning from her rookie campaign, and contest for strong results throughout the 2026 season.

Building toward the next level

With one full season of F1 Academy competition behind her and a structured development programme ahead, Felbermayr enters 2026 as a driver capable of challenging for podium positions and victories. The combination of proven on-track ability, championship-level machinery via Rodin Motorsport, and comprehensive Audi support creates an optimal environment for her continued ascent through the junior formulae. As Audi formally enters Formula 1, drivers like Felbermayr represent the manufacturer's long-term vision—investing in emerging talent today to potentially shape the grid's competitive landscape in years to come.