Ava Dobson joins the F1 Academy grid with American Express

Winner of the Parella Motorsport Holdings Powering Diversity scholarship in 2023, Ava Dobson made her debut in car in the United States Formula 4 championship. That same year, the American gained more experience by participating in the USF Juniors and USF2000 championships.

Having moved to European competitions in 2024, Dobson contested two rounds of the 2024 GB4 championship before returning for a full season. Securing her first podium finish at Donington Park, she ended the 2025 season as the top female rider.

Dobson becomes the fourth invited driver to join the 2026 starting grid after making her debut in F1 Academy on his home turf during the third round in Miami last May. Racing again for Hitech, Dobson expressed his delight at taking this next step in his motorsport career.

« I am really excited to be participating in the F1 Academy this year with American Express, declares Dobson. It is a true honor for me to have been selected to race in this championship and to forge such a fantastic partnership with American Express. I look forward to building on this collaboration throughout the year and working hard with the team and American Express to give our best. »

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