Mercedes Names Payton Westcott as New F1 Academy Representative for 2026
Mercedes has confirmed the replacement for their outgoing F1 Academy champion ahead of the 2026 season. Last year, Mercedes-backed driver Doriane Pin claimed the F1 Academy title after a thrilling season finale in Las Vegas, where she narrowly beat Ferrari-backed competitor Maya Weug. With the 2025 season marking Pin’s final eligibility in F1 Academy due to the series’ strict two-season limit, the German team has now turned its attention to the next generation of talent.
Pin, who benefited from strong backing from Mercedes and support from team principal Toto Wolff during her championship-winning campaign, will continue her career outside F1 Academy. In 2026, she is set to compete in the European Le Mans Series (ELMS), driving in the LMP2 Pro/AM Class with the Duqueine Team.
To fill her seat on the F1 Academy grid, Mercedes has announced 16-year-old American racer Payton Westcott as their new representative. The announcement was made through the team’s official Instagram page, confirming Westcott’s debut season in the series. Although new to a full F1 Academy season, Westcott is not unfamiliar with the championship, having competed in the final race weekend of the 2025 season as the last Wild Card Driver. On her debut, she finished sixth, impressing observers with her poise and adaptability.
Westcott’s journey in motorsport began earlier with her selection in 2024 as part of the inaugural F1 Academy “Discover Your Drive” programme, designed to identify and develop promising female drivers. For the 2026 season, Westcott will race for PREMA Racing, the same team that Pin drove for during her title-winning campaign. She will also participate in Italian F4 alongside her F1 Academy commitments, allowing her to gain additional experience in open-wheel racing.
Upon the announcement, Westcott expressed excitement at joining Mercedes, saying: “I’m thrilled to be part of the Mercedes family for the 2026 F1 Academy season. They are a team driven by passion, determination, and a commitment to excellence. It’s an incredible opportunity to learn from a talented group of people and develop my skills on and off the track. I look forward to tackling new circuits, pushing my limits, and growing as a driver throughout the season.”
Mercedes F1 Team Driver Development Advisor Gwen Lagrue added that the team is confident in Westcott’s potential, noting that she has already shown maturity and competitive performance at a young age. “Payton steps into big shoes following Doriane, who set a high benchmark within our programme,” Lagrue said. “Although she is a rookie, we approach the season with realistic ambitions, and Payton fully embraces the challenge. Her results in 2025, including Italian F4, Euro 4, and the UAE Formula 4 series, demonstrate both her speed and ability to adapt to highly competitive environments.”
While Pin moves on to ELMS, she will remain involved with Mercedes as a development driver for the F1 team in 2026, allowing her to continue gaining experience at the top level of motorsport.
Under F1 Academy regulations, drivers are allowed to compete for a maximum of two seasons in the all-female series. Age restrictions also apply: participants must be at least 16 years old and cannot be older than 25 at the start of their first season. Drivers are considered to have completed a season if they compete in two or more rounds, including any appearances as Wild Card Drivers. Champions of previous F1 Academy seasons are not permitted to return, although from 2027, select drivers may be granted exemptions to compete in a third season if it benefits their development.
With Westcott now confirmed as Mercedes’ new F1 Academy representative, the 2026 season promises to showcase fresh talent and continue the development of young female drivers aiming to reach the top levels of motorsport.
