The world of motorsport is witnessing a transformative moment as the F1 Academy, the pioneering all-women’s single-seater racing series, embarks on its highly anticipated 2026 season. With the global spotlight shining ever brighter, two powerhouse brands—Sephora and Disney—are joining forces with the series, propelling women’s racing into an exciting new era marked by cultural innovation, commercial growth, and a celebration of individuality.
Launched in 2023, F1 Academy was created with a clear mission: to accelerate the presence and success of women in motorsport. Now entering its fourth season, the championship has exploded in popularity, captivating fans across more than 160 territories and securing broadcast deals with over 35 networks. The 2026 calendar features 14 races at seven iconic locations, starting this week in Shanghai and culminating in a spectacle under the lights of Las Vegas on November 21. Every round of the series runs alongside the FIA Formula One World Championship, ensuring maximum exposure for the rising stars of the grid.
Perhaps the most headline-grabbing development this season is the landmark partnership between F1 Academy and Sephora. The global beauty retailer has been named the Official Beauty Retail Partner for 2026, a move that signals a bold step forward in the convergence of sport and lifestyle. Sephora’s involvement is far more than a branding exercise; it represents a shared ambition to "elevate and support female talent on the world stage and encourage young women to pursue their ambitions and express their individuality with confidence," as the brand stated.
Sephora’s presence will be unmistakable both trackside and within the exclusive F1 Paddock Club. Glam Bars, offering VIP guests the chance for track-side touch-ups, will pop up at 18 Grands Prix throughout the year. Fan activations promise an immersive experience, while a newly announced end-of-year drivers’ celebration will shine a spotlight on the progress and performance of the series’ athletes. The partnership also extends to the series’ luxury hospitality, ensuring that the F1 Academy’s growing fanbase—both in person and online—can engage with the brand in innovative ways.
Central to this partnership is the sponsorship of Spanish rookie Natalia Granada, who will be making her debut this season. The 18-year-old driver will pilot the striking "SEPHORA operated by PREMA" car, its livery unmistakably inspired by Sephora’s signature black-and-white stripes with bold red accents and black Pirelli tires. Granada’s racing suit will also feature prominent Sephora branding, underscoring the brand’s commitment to empowering female athletes.
Granada, who impressed at the F1 Academy rookie test in 2025, shared her excitement about the opportunity: "I am very eager to start the 2026 F1 Academy season with Sephora. It is a great privilege to partner with them, and being part of their first global sponsorship is an honor. Beauty and sport might seem like different worlds, but both celebrate confidence and expression. Support like this is incredibly important for female drivers, and it’s empowering to have a brand that truly believes in our ambitions."
Susie Wolff, Managing Director of F1 Academy, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the deeper significance of the collaboration: "Sephora is an iconic global brand with a passionate community across markets worldwide, championing individuality and confidence. Joining forces with them is incredibly powerful. This partnership goes far beyond beauty; together, we are challenging outdated stereotypes and redefining who and what belongs in motorsport."
Sephora’s involvement is not the only major brand expansion this year. Disney, fresh off the global success of its "Fuel the Magic" campaign with Formula 1, is set to debut its own collaboration with F1 Academy in May 2026. Announced by Tasia Filippatos, President of Disney Consumer Products, the partnership will bring beloved characters Minnie Mouse and Daisy Duck into the world of women’s racing. Fans can expect exclusive merchandise collections, on-site character experiences, and original digital content designed to celebrate confidence, friendship, and individuality.
"Our collaboration with Formula 1 sparked a cultural moment with fans worldwide, and expanding into F1 Academy opens an exciting new chapter in that story. With Minnie Mouse and Daisy Duck leading the way, we’re celebrating confidence, friendship and individuality while connecting Disney storytelling with a sport empowering the next generation of female athletes," said Filippatos. The Disney x F1 Academy collaboration will debut this spring, with additional details and product reveals anticipated in the coming weeks.
Susie Wolff emphasized the synergy between the two organizations: "By bringing together two worlds united by creativity, ambition, and a belief in what’s possible, we’re building pathways that inspire and empower future fans, drivers and leaders to shape the future of our sport." The campaign’s core themes—confidence, individuality, and women supporting women—align perfectly with F1 Academy’s mission to create opportunity and visibility for female drivers, while inspiring a new generation of motorsport enthusiasts.
The rapid commercial growth of F1 Academy is evident in the caliber of its partners. All 11 Formula 1 teams have thrown their weight behind the series, and the addition of global giants like Sephora and Disney marks a new chapter in the sport’s evolution. Rather than relying on traditional sponsorships alone, these collaborations tap into experiential marketing, storytelling, and identity, expanding how fans and drivers engage with motorsport beyond the track.
F1 Academy’s innovative approach is reflected in its broadcast strategy as well. The series streams live worldwide on F1TV YouTube, making it accessible to a global audience, and races can also be watched online via Apple TV. This digital-first mindset ensures that fans everywhere can follow the action as the season unfolds, from the opening race in Shanghai to the dramatic finale in Las Vegas.
As the 2026 season gets underway, all eyes are on Natalia Granada and her fellow competitors as they take to the track, backed by a wave of commercial and cultural momentum. The evolving partnerships with Sephora and Disney are more than just headline deals—they are a testament to the power of sport to inspire, to break barriers, and to redefine what’s possible for women in motorsport.
With new faces, bold branding, and a commitment to empowering the next generation, F1 Academy is not just racing for the checkered flag—it’s racing for the future. The action is just beginning, and the world will be watching as the season unfolds.