The FFSA Academy confirms its status as a global benchmark in the detection and training of young talent. The grid for the 2026 season of the F1 Academy, a major international competition dedicated to female talent, will host three drivers who forged their experience within the French F4 Championship: Jade Jacquet, Lisa Billard, and Mathilda Paatz.
This triple selection underscores the relevance of the French federal pathway, capable of accompanying drivers from karting all the way to the doors of Formula 1.
The “FFSA Pathway”: A Recognized Seal of Quality
The presence of these three young women on the 2026 grid demonstrates the effectiveness of the training scheme established in Le Mans. Whether they come from the complete federal track or arrived from abroad to train in France, they all benefited from the rigor and supervision of the FFSA Academy.
Christophe Lollier, National Technical Director of the FFSA, reacts to this announcement
“Seeing three drivers who passed through our championships join the F1 Academy is an immense satisfaction and a concrete validation of our training policy. It is proof that the French F4 Championship, and upstream the Junior Karting, constitute the ideal school to learn the demands of the high level.
Jade and Lisa are pure products of our pathway, detected and supported very early on. As for Mathilda, the fact that she chose France for her transition to single-seaters proves the attractiveness and the level of competition of our championship. They leave with a solid technical and sporting background. We are very proud to see them take this new step.”
Three Paths, One Common Training
Jade Jacquet (Williams Racing): The Power of Progression. At 16 years old, she embodies the success of the federal pathway. After starting in karting in 2023, she climbed the ranks via the French Junior Championship before distinguishing herself in the F4 Academy. Author of 12 top-20 finishes and winner of the Women’s Trophy at Dijon in 2025, she joins the Williams Racing Driver Academy and will drive under the colors of the British team (operated by ART Grand Prix).
Lisa Billard (Gatorade): The 16-Year-Old French Hope. She joins the grid as a “Rookie” driver with the iconic support of Gatorade. The first young woman to win a Junior Karting event at Le Mans, she is one of the most watched hopefuls of her generation. She will notably benefit from the expertise of the Gatorade Sports Science Institute to perfect her physical condition.
Mathilda Paatz (Aston Martin): French Expertise Serving International Talent. The 17-year-old German driver, selected by the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team, chose France to build her foundations in single-seaters. Her participation in the 2024 French F4 Championship allowed her to develop the maturity and speed necessary to prevail during selections against international competition. She will compete within the PREMA Racing team.
The FFSA Academy congratulates these three ambassadors of French training and wishes them full success for this 2026 campaign.
Photo © DR
