Scottish teenager Rachel Robertson earns place in F1 Academy Rookie Test

Rachel Robertson, an 18-year-old from Scotland, has been selected to take part in the F1 Academy Rookie Test at Circuito de Navarra from Sept. 16-18, organisers confirmed.

Robertson is one of 18 drivers invited to the three-day evaluation, which will pair hopefuls with teams, include fitness assessments and a full on-track test as part of the F1 Academy's process for identifying drivers to progress within the series.

Selected after only two Formula 4 test days, Robertson said she was "thrilled" to be included in the line-up. "Being one of only 18 girls selected to take part, after only two F4 test days, is just incredible," she told Daily Mail Sport. "I am so proud of myself that I’ve made my mark in such a short time, and that it has paid off. I’ll be testing with Hitech, meeting current F1 Academy drivers, undergoing a fitness assessment, and doing a full test day. I can’t wait to get started!"

The F1 Academy, led by former professional racer Susie Wolff, aims to develop and prepare young female drivers for higher levels of competition, with Formula 1 as the long-term objective for some participants. The Rookie Test gives teams and organisers an opportunity to assess driving ability, adaptability and physical readiness ahead of selection decisions for the upcoming season.

Robertson's progression is notable for its rapid pace. She first entered motorsport competition in 2022 and, within three years, advanced from a novice to testing Formula 4 machinery and earning support from public figures. Television presenter Gabby Logan has provided Robertson with a financial award known as the "Gabby Grant," intended to assist female athletes at the start of their careers.

Drivers taking part in the Rookie Test will be evaluated on-track and off-track. Teams present at Navarra will use telemetry and supervised sessions to compare candidates, while the Academy's staff will conduct fitness and readiness evaluations. The outcome of the test will inform which drivers are offered places in the F1 Academy programme or recommended for further opportunities within junior single-seater categories.

Robertson's selection adds to a broader push within motorsport to expand pathways for women. Since its inception, F1 Academy has sought to create a structured ladder for female talent through training, competition and exposure to Formula 1 teams. For Robertson, the test represents a defined step toward that pathway and a measuring point in a career that has progressed rapidly since her motorsport debut.

The Rookie Test at Circuito de Navarra runs Sept. 16-18. Results of the evaluations and subsequent team or Academy announcements are expected after the conclusion of the sessions.