Ferrari Confirms Alba Larsen’s Return for a Third F1 Academy Season in 2027

Ferrari has officially announced that Italian‑born Alba Larsen will line up for a third straight campaign in the FIA‑sanctioned F1 Academy in 2027. The move, detailed on Formula1.com, makes Larsen the first driver to contest three consecutive seasons in the series, underscoring both her rapid development and Ferrari’s long‑term commitment to nurturing young female talent.

Why Larsen’s third season matters

Larsen, who debuted in the inaugural 2023 F1 Academy season, quickly established herself as a front‑runner, scoring multiple podiums and finishing fourth in the drivers’ standings. In 2024 she improved to a runner‑up position, narrowly missing the championship to teammate Maya Ghosh. Her consistency, technical feedback and adaptability have impressed the Scuderia’s junior‑driver programme, prompting the decision to retain her for another year.

Ferrari’s driver development chief, Luca di Monte, said the team sees Larsen as a "key pillar" in its broader strategy to increase female representation in motorsport. By extending her contract through 2027, Ferrari hopes to give her the continuity needed to hone racecraft, data analysis skills and physical conditioning before a potential step up to Formula 2 or an F1 test role.

F1 Academy’s growing profile

The F1 Academy, launched in 2023, aims to provide a high‑performance platform for women drivers, mirroring the structure of the traditional Formula 2 ladder. With increased manufacturer backing, including from Ferrari, Mercedes and Red Bull, the series has attracted stronger grids and larger audiences. Larsen’s continued presence adds a narrative thread that can help the championship build a loyal fan base.

For Indian fans, the 2027 F1 Academy calendar is expected to feature a mix of European circuits and a possible Asian round, with the series historically broadcasting on FanCode in India. Races typically air in the early evening IST, making them accessible after work hours. Fans can also follow Larsen’s progress via Ferrari’s official social channels and the F1 Academy’s dedicated app.

Looking ahead, Larsen’s performance will be closely watched by teams across the junior formula ladder. A strong 2027 could see her graduate to Formula 2 in 2028, keeping the door open for an eventual F1 test role with Ferrari. Until then, her historic third season will provide a compelling storyline for both the Academy and the broader push for gender diversity in motorsport.

Source: Formula1.com