Aston Martin Aramco announces Mathilda Paatz as its 2026 F1 ACADEMY representative and Driver Academy member
Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team is proud to announce that 17-year-old German racing talent Mathilda Paatz will represent the team as its driver for the 2026 F1 ACADEMY season.
Mathilda, a rising star from Cologne, will compete with PREMA Racing in the fourth season of the all-female series, sporting the iconic green Aston Martin Aramco livery.
Mathilda earned her place as Aston Martin Aramco's F1 ACADEMY driver after excelling in a rigorous four-driver evaluation programme held at Mugello Circuit using Formula 4 cars. Alongside PREMA Racing, the team evaluated many skills, including the drivers' pace, technical ability and understanding of data.
The evaluation programme was overseen by Nuno Pinto, recently appointed as Racing Director of the Aston Martin Aramco Driver Academy and tasked with overseeing the team's Driver Academy and F1 ACADEMY initiatives. Also involved in the driver selection process was Tom McCullough, Performance Director – Aston Martin Performance Technologies.
Today's announcement took place at the AMR Technology Campus during an event held in partnership with Cosmopolitan Magazine and supported by Aston Martin Aramco partners, TikTok and ELEMIS. 150 young female guests, including a group of female karters, were invited to the team's Silverstone campus for the announcement and a panel discussion on the importance of F1 ACADEMY and women in motorsport. The event was live streamed via TikTok to a global audience.
Mathilda Paatz, Aston Martin Aramco F1 ACADEMY driver, said:
"I'm really proud to be representing Aston Martin Aramco in F1 ACADEMY next year. This is something I've worked incredibly hard for and my focus now is on preparing for the season ahead.
"There will be lots to learn, including several new circuits, but I feel confident knowing I have so much support from Aston Martin Aramco and PREMA Racing. I had a great first day at the AMR Technology Campus in Silverstone meeting so many incredible people from the Aston Martin Aramco team.
"I immediately felt at home and everybody was very welcoming. I couldn't be happier and I can't wait to get racing!"
Mathilda's first day
Go behind the scenes of Mathilda's first day with the team as she explored the AMR Technology Campus and met Driver Ambassador and Head of F1 ACADEMY Jessica Hawkins.
Nuno Pinto, Racing Director, Aston Martin Aramco Driver Academy said:
"In partnership with PREMA Racing, we conducted a comprehensive evaluation of four drivers before selecting who would represent Aston Martin Aramco in the 2026 F1 ACADEMY series.
"To ensure a rigorous and fair assessment, we held a shoot-out at the demanding Mugello Circuit, giving each driver a day in an F4 car to showcase their capabilities.
"Mathilda not only emerged as the fastest driver, but also demonstrated consistency, maturity and a competitive spirit. Her performance was strong enough not just to secure the F1 ACADEMY seat, but also to earn herself a place in the Aston Martin Aramco Driver Academy.
"We are delighted to welcome her as both our F1 ACADEMY driver and a member of our development programme, and we look forward to supporting her throughout this exciting next step in her career."
Jessica Hawkins, Driver Ambassador & Head of F1 ACADEMY added:
"I'm really pleased to be welcoming Mathilda to our team. F1 ACADEMY continues to be such a brilliant platform for developing and showcasing emerging talent, offering young drivers the support and visibility they need to grow.
"The amazing drivers competing in the series are not only shaping the future of the sport but also inspiring the next generation of female racers, showing what's possible when passion is encouraged and supported. We're excited to begin our journey with Mathilda and we wish Tina [Hausmann] all the best in the next chapter of her career."
Aston Martin Aramco's commitment to F1 ACADEMY remains a cornerstone of its wider diversity and talent-development strategy to create pathways for women in motorsport. The team would like to thank Tina Hausmann for her contribution as a passionate ambassador and committed driver throughout her past two seasons representing Aston Martin Aramco in F1 ACADEMY.
Meet Mathilda
Looking up to Michael Schumacher, listening to classical music before lights out, and losing a suitcase on her way to the AMR Technology Campus. Get to know the latest addition to our Driver Academy.
Aston Martin Aramco Driver Academy
From karting to single-seaters, the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team Driver Academy is dedicated to identifying and developing the next generation of exceptional motorsport talent.
The Academy provides a clear path to the top tiers of racing through tailored racecraft mentorship, simulator work, physical training, media coaching and race weekend immersion.
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