Mercedes Selects Young American Talent Payton Westcott for 2026 F1 Academy Season

In a significant move for young driver development, the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team has announced that American racing prodigy Payton Westcott will represent the team in the 2026 F1 Academy season. The 16-year-old driver will compete with PREMA Racing while benefiting from a dual racing program that includes continued participation in the Italian F4 Championship.

A Rapid Rise Through the Ranks

Westcott's journey to Mercedes began with karting at age 12, where she achieved notable results in prestigious competitions including the United States Pro Kart Series and California Pro Kart Challenge. She finished third overall in the Challenge of the Americas, demonstrating early promise in competitive motorsport.

In 2024, Westcott was selected for the inaugural cohort of F1 Academy's "Discover Your Drive" karters in the Champions of the Future Academy Program. She made the leap to single-seaters last year, competing in the Formula Winter Series, Italian F4 Championship, and E4 Championship. Notably, she scored a Female Trophy win in the Formula Winter Series and became the first and only woman to achieve a victory in the UAE Trophy Series.

Impressive Debut and Wild Card Selection

The American driver's talent was further highlighted when she was selected as the Wild Card entry for the F1 Academy season finale in Las Vegas, where she finished an impressive sixth on her debut. This performance undoubtedly contributed to Mercedes' decision to bring her into their development program.

Driver Enthusiasm and Team Support

"I'm excited to join the Mercedes family for the 2026 F1 Academy season," said Westcott. "They are an incredible team and one that is driven by passion, determination, and a constant pursuit of excellence. It's an amazing opportunity to work with such a talented group of people that are committed to developing young talent."

She added: "I'm looking forward to learning new tracks throughout the season and continuing to grow my skill set both on and off the circuit. Every race weekend will be a chance to push my limits, refine my driving, and build consistency. I'm motivated to make the most of this journey and take the next big step in my career."

Team Perspective

Gwen Lagrue, Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team Driver Development Advisor, expressed confidence in Westcott's abilities: "We're very pleased to welcome Payton Westcott to the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team family for the 2026 F1 Academy season. She steps into big shoes by succeeding Doriane, who set a very high benchmark within our programme."

Lagrue noted Westcott's maturity despite her youth: "At just 16 years old, Payton has already demonstrated both maturity and strong performance. Her results in the 2025 Italian F4 and Euro 4 championships, as well as her recent performances in the UAE Formula 4 series, underline not only her speed but also her ability to adapt quickly to highly competitive environments."

Dual Program Strategy

The team has planned an intensive program for Westcott: "The 2026 season will be intense for Payton. Alongside F1 Academy, she will continue racing in Italian F4 to further develop her race craft, technical understanding, and overall experience. We believe this dual programme will accelerate her progression and provide a solid foundation for her long-term ambitions in single-seater racing."

Mentorship from a Champion

Westcott will benefit from working closely with reigning F1 Academy Champion Doriane Pin, who serves as a Development Driver for Mercedes. Pin expressed her support: "Payton has the motivation and the mindset to make the most of this opportunity with Mercedes in F1 Academy. She has shown so far that she is a great up-and-coming talent with lots of room to continuing progressing."

Pin added: "Personally, I am also really happy to support Payton throughout the season as she continues to develop in her young racing career. As last year's champion and as Development Driver for the team, I am looking forward to passing on my knowledge and experience that I learnt to her, being able to support and give her guidance, and being present trackside across the year."

Realistic Ambitions

While expectations are high, the team maintains realistic ambitions for Westcott's rookie season. Lagrue emphasized: "We know Payton is a rookie, and we approach the season with realistic ambitions, but this is a challenge she understands and fully embraces."

This strategic selection by Mercedes demonstrates their continued commitment to nurturing young talent and promoting diversity in motorsport, with Westcott representing the next generation of female drivers aiming to make their mark in Formula 1's development series.