F1 Academy news: 2025 grid expands as Maya Weug returns with Ferrari and Aurelia Nobels stays with PUMA

2025 is off to a strong start for women in motorsports, with PUMA and Ferrari reaffirming their long-term commitment to Aurelia Nobels and Maya Weug, respectively.

Both drivers, who raced under these partnerships in 2024, will continue their journeys with PUMA and Ferrari in the 2025 F1 Academy season.

With drivers only eligible to compete in F1 Academy for two seasons, these continued partnerships are even more significant, ensuring that talent isn’t just developed but supported beyond their time in the series.

As members of the Ferrari Driver Academy, their continued backing sends a clear message to the wider motorsport community - women in motorsports deserve long-term support to break through in a male-dominated industry.

Aurelia Nobels retains ART Grand Prix and PUMA contracts

In her rookie season, Nobels competed for ART Grand Prix while being represented by German powerhouse PUMA.

Now, as she enters her second and final F1 Academy campaign, she remains with the same team and brand, aiming for stronger results.

Nobels finished P12 in the 2024 standings, securing points in six of 14 races.

Her best result - a P5 finish - came in the second race at Zandvoort. With a year of experience under her belt, the Brazilian-Belgian driver is looking to take another step forward.

In a statement shared by F1 Academy, Nobels expressed her excitement for the upcoming season:

“I’m thrilled to announce I will be continuing my journey in F1 ACADEMY with ART Grand Prix in 2025.

“Partnering with PUMA is an incredible honour and I’m grateful for their belief in me. I’m ready to embrace the challenges, push boundaries and make 2025 unforgettable!”

The 18-year-old will race alongside Williams junior Lia Block and Haas newcomer Courtney Crone.

With ART Grand Prix’s strong track record in junior formulae, Nobels is well-positioned for a competitive second season.

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Maya Weug continues with Ferrari in a title-charge season

The Scuderia delivered more good news by confirming their ongoing partnership with Weug, who becomes the 12th driver announced for the 2025 F1 Academy grid.

Weug had an impressive debut season in 2024, finishing third in the championship behind Doriane Pin and title-winner Abbi Pulling.

Racing with Prema alongside Pin and Tina Hausmann, she secured one race win in a season largely dominated by Pulling and Pin.

For 2025, Weug makes the switch to MP Motorsport for her final year in the series, with eyes firmly set on a title challenge.

Her first F1 Academy victory came in the final race of the 2024 season in Abu Dhabi, and she’ll be looking to carry that momentum into the new campaign.

With experience, consistency, and Ferrari’s continued support, Weug is set to be one of the top contenders in 2025.

MORE ON WOMEN IN SPORT: Sponsorship of women’s sport grew 22 per cent in 2024, Deloitte says

Nicole Powell

Nicole is a sports writer and editor with expertise in motorsports and football, currently managing the motorsport department at Last Word On Sports (LWOS).

She thrives on blending her love for Chelsea FC with insightful football pieces and channels her admiration for Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel into compelling motorsport narratives.

Nicole is all about making an impact - whether it's delivering sharp, SEO-optimised articles, crafting strategies for digital platforms, or inspiring aspiring writers to hone their craft.

A perfectionist at heart (and mildly allergic to typos), she approaches every project with a mix of professionalism and her signature enthusiasm for all things sport.

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