Alba Larsen confirmed for third F1 Academy season with Ferrari in 2027
Alba Larsen has become the first driver confirmed for the 2027 F1 Academy season, with the 17-year-old Danish driver set to return for a third campaign with Scuderia Ferrari following a rule change allowing selected competitors to remain in the series beyond the previous two-season limit.
Alba Larsen has become the first driver confirmed for the 2027 F1 Academy season, with the 17-year-old Danish driver set to return for a third campaign with Scuderia Ferrari following a rule change allowing selected competitors to remain in the series beyond the previous two-season limit.
The announcement comes after a solid year for Larsen, who secured her maiden F1 Academy podiums with a double top-three finish at Zandvoort and currently sits fourth in the Drivers' Standings, while also claiming her first podium in British F4.
Larsen made her F1 Academy debut in 2025, racing in the Tommy Hilfiger-liveried car and recording 10 top-ten finishes during her rookie campaign. Her performances earned her a place in the Ferrari Driver Academy, which she joined during that season and will continue to represent in 2027.
The Danish driver has made further progress in her second campaign, scoring points in six races and finally securing her first silverware in the series at Zandvoort. Her double podium at the Dutch circuit marked an important milestone in her development, while her maiden British F4 outright podium this season has further demonstrated her potential across the junior single-seater ladder.
Under the updated regulations announced in November 2025, select drivers who have competed in the two preceding F1 Academy seasons may be granted an exemption to remain for a third campaign. The exception is intended for competitors whose performances indicate strong potential for further growth, with Larsen becoming the first driver to be confirmed under the provision for 2027.
Speaking about the announcement, Larsen welcomed the opportunity to return and continue her development in the championship.
"After two years in Academy, I’ve seen first-hand how much this series has grown and how important it’s become," she said. "Susie and the team keep pushing it forward, the fans bring so much energy, and I’ve had an incredible team around me. I’ve grown a lot here too. I’m really proud to be part of it and can’t wait to be back on the grid with Scuderia Ferrari HP in 2027.”
Since its launch in 2023, F1 Academy has operated with a two-season limit for its drivers, reflecting the series' role as a development category within the single-seater ladder. The new exemption, however, opens the door for selected drivers to gain a third year of experience at this level, with Larsen's confirmation bringing renewed attention to the question of how extending this stint can best support promising female talent.
Allowing drivers to spend three seasons at F4 level may be counter to the broader trend in junior single-seaters, where competitors are increasingly expected to progress through the ladder at a younger age.
While another season in F1 Academy could give Larsen additional opportunities to build on her recent progress, the decision also raises questions about the most effective route towards higher levels of competition. The key will be whether the extra campaign translates into tangible steps forward in her career, rather than simply extending her time at F4 level.
With Larsen already part of the Ferrari Driver Academy and having demonstrated encouraging progress across F1 Academy and British F4, attention will now turn to how Ferrari and the all-female championship support her development over the next year.
