American Express confirms Ava Dobson for 2026 F1 ACADEMY campaign

American Express have announced that Ava Dobson will be representing the F1 ACADEMY Official Partner on the 2026 grid.

The 17-year-old American is the fourth Wild Card entry from last season to make the step up to a full-time seat in the all-female series. Having made her debut at her home event in Miami, she will be continuing to race in a Hitech-operated car this season.

Starting out in 2023, Dobson first competed in the Formula 4 United States Championship alongside appearances in the USF Juniors and USF2000 Championship. Continuing in single-seaters, she raced in Europe for the first time the next year with a two-round stint in the GB4 Championship.

Returning for the 2025 season, Dobson secured her maiden podium at Donington Park on her way to becoming the highest scoring female driver that year.

“I am really excited to be going with F1 ACADEMY this year with American Express,” said Dobson. ”I’m truly super honoured to be chosen to race in the series and having an amazing partnership with American Express.

“I can’t wait to continue to build off of that throughout the whole year and work really hard with the team, and with American Express to be the best we can be.”