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The F1 Academy supports women in motorsports, giving young talents more visibility in a male-dominated industry. “Our mission is clear: we want to show young girls and women that there is a place for them in our sport, both on and off the track,” says Susie Wolff, managing director of the F1 Academy.
Its first successes are already evident: “In our second season this year, we have taken a big step forward. We are now racing at seven events on three continents alongside the FIA Formula 1 World Championship and are supported by all 10 F1 teams, which gives us an incredible platform and the opportunity to reach new target groups,” says Wolff.
In Tommy Hilfiger, the F1 Academy has found a partner that shares its mission—and also outfits up-and-coming driver Nerea Martí. The 22-year-old Spaniard is considered an exceptional talent and has been training since she was 13. This season, she will be competing in the brand’s white, red, and blue uniform—and here, she answers Vogue’s questions about that collaboration, her career, and her path to passion.
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Vogue: How did your career in motorsports begin?
Nerea Martí: I actually started when I was nine years old. My father and uncle opened a kart rental shop in my home town of Valencia, where I discovered my enthusiasm for driving and knew that this would be my future. However, I wasn’t really allowed to compete until I was 13—that’s when I started in a small karting team. I then started driving for Praga España Motorsport in 2017. Since then, I’ve won the regional championships several times and also started in F4.
You are part of the F1 Academy, which works under the slogan “When the odds are against her we’re here to make them even.” How do you think about the gender gap in motorsports, and how can it be overcome?
The F1 Academy has given us a lot more visibility—this is important, and needs to become even [greater] in the future. The F1 Academy is trying to inspire young girls to pursue a career in the industry, and with success: Since its foundation in 2023, female participation in races has risen sharply. This creates new opportunities for us as women in motorsports, which we need to build on in order to balance out existing inequalities.
Tell us about the collaboration with Tommy Hilfiger.
It’s a great feeling to work with such an important brand. I am very grateful for the great opportunities it has opened up for me: Not only the extra visibility, but also the people I was able to meet—for example Kendall Jenner, and Tommy Hilfiger himself in Miami.
What advice would you give to other young women who want to be successful in motorsports?
It’s still a difficult world, but if it’s your dream, you should pursue it. It’s a lot of work, but I think we’re at a good point right now and we should keep going. Because I love motorsports so much myself, I can of course understand that others feel the same way. When I was little, my family often told me that dreams really do come true. That’s a phrase I always remember—even in difficult moments.