Austrian racer Emma Felbermayr will make her F1 ACADEMY debut in 2025, with Kick Sauber confirming that the 17-year-old is to represent them on next year’s grid.
Felbermayr’s first season in single-seaters will see her drive for Rodin Motorsport – who clinched the Drivers’ title this season with Abbi Pulling – alongside participating in the 2025 Formula Winter Series and Spanish F4 Championship with the team.
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Growing up around motorsport, with both her father and grandfather competing in several editions of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Felbermayr’s own journey began in karting aged seven.
Progressing through the Micro, Mini and Junior Classes, she finished runner-up in her first international race in the 2021 ADAC Ladies Cup.
Since then, Felbermayr has continued to rise through the ranks, qualifying 23rd out of 119 drivers in the KZ category of the 2023 World Championship in Wackersdorf, and has competed in all major shifter karting events this year, including WSK-Karting and the World and European Championships.
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“I’m proud and thrilled to be joining KICK Sauber F1 Team for the 2025 F1 ACADEMY season,” said Felbermayr. “This is an incredible opportunity to take the next step in my racing career and to challenge myself at this exciting level.
“I’m looking forward to representing the team, growing as a driver, and making the most of the visibility and platform F1 ACADEMY offers. I can’t wait to get started and see what we can achieve together!”
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Mattia Binotto, COO & CTO, Sauber Motorsport added: “We are delighted to welcome Emma to the team, as she prepares to make her F1 ACADEMY debut in 2025 in our colours.
“Emma is young, but has already shown her potential, and we are looking forward to seeing her represent us on the international scene from next year.
“We are also thrilled to be partnering with Rodin Motorsport for our F1 ACADEMY operations, counting on their decades-long experience with junior drivers in several series, and having most recently clinched the 2024 F1 ACADEMY title.
“This marks the beginning of an exciting journey, and we can’t wait to see what we can achieve together. Welcome to the family, Emma!”
Benn Huntingford, Sporting Director, Rodin Motorsport: “We’re delighted to welcome Emma to Rodin Motorsport. She has shown great potential and resilience in karting and we look forward to supporting her in her transition into cars with F1 Academy.
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“There will be a steep learning curve ahead but together with KICK Sauber F1 Team I’m confident that our combined experience and resources can give Emma the platform she needs to be successful.
“I’d like to thank Kick Sauber for entrusting Rodin Motorsport with this important step in Emma’s career.»