American Express selects Nicole Havrda for 2025 F1 ACADEMY season

F1 ACADEMY Official Partner American Express have announced that Canadian driver Nicole Havrda will be representing them on the grid for the upcoming 2025 season, driving for Hitech Grand Prix.

Havrda steps up to F1 ACADEMY after three successful seasons in open-wheel racing. Her debut in 2022 saw her score two top-five finishes in the Indian Racing League Championship, before going on to secure three titles the following year in SFR FA2, the Formula Pro USA Winter Series and becoming the first female driver to be crowned Champion in Formula Pro USA.

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Last year, the now 19-year-old achieved four podium finishes in the Formula Regional Americas Championship, going on to finish sixth in the Standings.

“I’m honored to partner with American Express for my F1 ACADEMY debut this upcoming season, especially at the F1 Montreal Grand Prix in June," said Havrda.

"Their support fuels my drive to compete at the highest level and I’m thrilled to represent a brand that champions performance, resilience and ambition, both on and off the track.”

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As part of their commitment to supporting and celebrating local businesses, American Express will be continuing their successful Shop Small initiative across the seven-round 2025 season — with their revamped custom livery featuring American Express and Shop Small branding alongside the logo of a local small business.