Lewis Hamilton applauds Marta Garcia for winning the first-ever all-female F1 franchise series

Lewis Hamilton visited all the F1 Academy drivers ahead of the Austin race.

Lewis Hamilton applauds Marta Garcia for winning the first-ever all-female F1 franchise series

Lewis Hamilton lauding Marta Garcia at Austin (Credits: IMAGO)

In a groundbreaking moment for the world of motorsport, Marta Garcia, the Spanish racing driver, secured the title in the inaugural F1 Academy Series. Her victory in the first race of the Austin season finale not only marked a historic achievement but also earned her congratulations from the seven-time champion, Lewis Hamilton. 

Marta Garcia’s victory was nothing short of exceptional. The F1 Academy featured a fierce lineup of talent, but Garcia’s brilliance shone brighter than the Texan sun. With seven victories under her belt and an unassailable lead, she demonstrated her sheer dominance on the track. Her triumph during the season opener at the Circuit of The Americas sealed her fate as the first-ever champion of this groundbreaking series.

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In a race that kept everyone on the edge of our seats from start to finish, Garcia, with nerves of steel, held her ground against a relentless Abbi Pulling. Amidst mid-race chaos and a safety car appearance, Garcia and Pulling broke away from the pack, with Garcia ultimately clinching her historic seventh victory and the F1 Academy championship. 

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Garcia’s impressive victory resonated with Mercedes’ big three. Hamilton, and his teammate, George Russell were among the first to extend their congratulations. Russell even had the honour of presenting Garcia with her well-deserved award on the podium. Toto Wolff, the Mercedes team boss was also seen applauding the F1 Academy champ for her win.

Marta Garcia elated to be crowned as F1 Academy champion but won’t return in 2024

Garcia, after her historic victory, expressed a sense of disbelief upon crossing the finish line, followed by a rush of emotion during the victory lap. She emphasized the immense effort her team had invested throughout the season. She said to Formula 1 how she felt after winning the first-ever instalment of the F1 Academy.

It's great to obviously win the championship, being the first champion of F1 Academy as well, it feels amazing.
Marta Garcia, F1 Academy champion
Marta Garcia, F1 Academy champion (Credits: F1 Academy)

However, Garcia will not return for the 2024 season, opting for a new challenge in the Formula Regional European series. Notably, some drivers like Lena Buhler and Megan Gilkes will not return to the F1 Academy for the next season, opting for different career paths within motorsport, and others transitioning to F1 roles. 

The F1 Academy, introduced in 2023, was conceived as a platform to empower young female drivers, with five major teams participating: Campos, MP Motorsport, ART, Carlin, and Prema. Each team fielded three female drivers, and the season’s races took place alongside F1 events. Toto Wolff’s wife, Susie Wolff serves as the managing director for this female-exclusive sport. 

Edited by: Riddhi Mondal