Susie Wolff frustrated by Maya Weug’s lack of a 2026 race seat

Wolff backs Weug amid uncertain future

F1 Academy managing director Susie Wolff has expressed her frustration at Maya Weug’s struggle to secure a full-time racing programme for 2026, despite the driver’s strong record in the series.

The situation prompted Weug to describe 2026 as the “toughest year” of her career in a summer-break statement. Speaking to Sky Sports at Zandvoort, Wolff said she had contacted Weug immediately after seeing the post.

Wolff recalled first meeting Weug before joining F1 Academy, when the driver was competing in FRECA. She said Weug had been an outstanding talent, but had told her that returning to F4 through F1 Academy was the only available route back into racing.

“So I feel proud in the fact that we got her with Ferrari. She did two seasons with F1 Academy, nearly won the title. But hugely frustrating that she’s been unable to find the next step,” Wolff added.

A wider progression problem

F1 Academy funded a Ferrari 296 GT3 test for Weug with AF Corse, but Wolff acknowledged that it did not produce a racing opportunity. Weug later made three Belcar appearances with ART Racing and claimed a podium on her GT debut, although her expected participation in the 24 Hours of Zolder fell through.

She has since taken a trackside coaching role with current F1 Academy driver Alba Larsen and is attending the Zandvoort paddock. The weekend’s F1 Academy action has also drawn attention through its latest Zandvoort title-fight preview.

Wolff said Weug’s case underlined the financial barriers facing drivers trying to progress, while stressing that F1 Academy is continually assessing how it can create more opportunities. The series fully funds 19 drivers across seven race weekends, with 11 supported by F1 teams.

“There’s a lot more we can do. But there’s only so much I can do myself in the end,” Wolff said.