A new Frenchwoman in the F1 Academy: Lisa Billard will arrive on the grid in 2026

One Frenchwoman will chase another. While Dorian Pin will not be present on the grid F1 In 2026, the French contingent will have a third representative in the short history of the women's category, following "Pocket Rocket" and Lola Lovinfosse. This is Lisa Billard, who will be sponsored next season by the beverage brand Gatorade.

The young woman is not entirely unknown in the F1 Academy paddock, having competed in the Singapore round as a wildcard. On the streets of the city-state, Billard looked comfortable, qualifying 5th. Her successful outing confirms the high potential she has shown in the junior formulas. She also became the first woman to win a race in the French Junior Championship. KartingLisa Billard started in F4 France, where she showed her potential by becoming women's champion in 2025.

Supported by Iron Dames, the young woman from Seine-Maritime had a taste of the F1 Academy in early October in Singapore, before hoping to obtain a full-time seat. “My goal is really to be the best and perform at the highest level. The F1 Academy is a great step towards that because financially, I know I won't be able to go to FRECA if I don't win this championship.” she explained to AUTOhebdo when we met her at the F4 France final in Le Mans in September.

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Victory is the goal to launch his career

The 16-year-old driver particularly wants to capitalize on the visibility offered by a championship held as a support race for Formula 1 Grands Prix and backed by the teams themselves. While Lisa Billard will not be sponsored by a manufacturer, but by Gatorade, she is already looking forward to the exposure the championship will provide. That's lucky! Susie Wolff has really created something that I think will bring many more girls back into motorsport. she was delighted during our conversation. "The visibility is enormous, we have to take advantage of it. We're not expected to be future Formula 1 drivers. This championship is for learning and preparing for the next stages of our careers, so it's primarily a good opportunity for the future."

BREAKING

Gatorade's 2026 F1 Academy car is confirmed, with Lisa Billard named as the driver. 🤝

The French rookie begins her first full season in the Gatorade backed entry, with the Gatorade Sports Science Institute guiding her development through tailored hydration and… pic.twitter.com/Xdon4VZziQ

— F1 Academy (@f1academy) November 20, 2025

Thanks to the F1 Academy, Lisa hopes to prove to potential sponsors that she has the skill to continue her climb up the pyramid of the carwhere many young women — including Doriane Pin in FRECA — have failed. "The goal will be to win." She said. "We have two years to do it, so it's doable." (For the past few days, the F1 Academy has finally changed its regulations to allow drivers to compete in a third season, but the decision rests with the organizers based on several criteria, Ed.). Then, in GB3, in FRECA… The goal is to use it to take the next step, whatever it may be.”

While we await Lisa Billard's debut season, one title remains to be decided this weekend in Las Vegas, where Doriane Pin has put herself in a strong position by beating her rival Maya Weug in qualifying. It's up to her to finish the job in the two races this weekend before Lisa Billard tries to bring a championship to France.

With Mathieu Chambenoit.