Life is changing at a breathtaking pace for 18-year-old Rachel Robertson. The Scottish teenager, who only began karting four years ago, has secured a coveted full-time drive with PUMA in the all-female F1 Academy series, placing her firmly on the road to her ultimate goal: Formula 1.
From Karting Novice to F1 Academy Racer
Robertson's story is one of remarkable acceleration. She started karting relatively late at 14, but her ascent has been meteoric. Her talent was undeniable during the F1 Academy Rookie Test, where she posted top-five times in both sessions. This led to a dramatic call-up to replace the injured Aiva Anagnostiadis for the series finale on the iconic Las Vegas street circuit.
In a stunning debut, Robertson finished an impressive fourth in Race 1, marking the highest place for a wildcard or replacement driver in the Academy's history. "The first race couldn't have gone any better," Robertson reflected. "It was great for my profile and showed what I could do."
The Las Vegas experience was a whirlwind introduction to the world of elite motorsport. "I even did my own autograph session, which was so surreal," she said. "Some fans had printed posters of my face. I was, like, how do you even know who I am?"
Overcoming Barriers with Grit and Support
The path to the F1 Academy is not just about speed; it is also financially demanding, with a season costing 100,000 euros. Unlike many peers, Robertson does not come from a wealthy background. A crucial turning point came via a £15,000 grant from broadcaster Gabby Logan and her husband, former rugby player Kenny Logan.
"I met her in April, when this was really just a pipe dream," Robertson stated. "Gabby has helped me first-hand to get to where I am today." That funding allowed her to complete vital test drives in an F4 car, paving the way for her Rookie Test success.
Her new partnership with global brand PUMA, which has deep ties to Formula 1, will provide significant support. "Getting in, and doing so with PUMA, is just incredible," she said. "I'm so excited to be on board with them."
Eyes on the Championship and Beyond
Robertson is now fully focused on the upcoming F1 Academy season, which will see her race on legendary circuits like Shanghai, Jeddah, Montreal, and, for the first time in the series, Silverstone. She becomes only the second Scot, after Chloe Grant, to earn a full-time seat in the series, which is run by fellow Scot and former racing driver Susie Wolff.
Robertson hails Wolff as a key role model. "I would love to get to Susie's level. What's great about her is that she has raced, herself... She brings a lot of knowledge, and knows how it feels," she explained.
Her goal is unequivocal: to win the F1 Academy championship. "What I need to do now is perform. My goal is to win the Championship, and then move into the higher echelons of motorsport," Robertson asserted. She aims to use the series as a springboard to a fully funded drive in GB3 or another F3-level category.
Balancing this demanding career with college, Robertson is determined to prove herself. "I want to be *the* best," she said. "Proving to myself and to everyone that I deserve a place on these grids." And as a proud Scottish driver, she plans to add a subtle saltire to her helmet, representing her roots as she races onto the global stage.
