‘F1 Academy Is Changing The Face Of Motorsport’

The 2025 Formula 1 season starts this weekend, following the launch of the latest season of Drive To Survive on Netflix. Meanwhile, following for the women’s F1 Academy continues to grow, with a new Netflix docuseries in the works and due to release this year, too. The result? An ever-growing female fanbase for F1 and motorsport as a whole. The new audience brings with it new partnership opportunities, with ELEMIS announced as the first official skincare partners of the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One team. We spoke to Jessica Hawkins, Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Driver Ambassador and Head of F1 Academy, about the season ahead. 

Jessica Hawkins Q&A

What can you tell us about the season ahead in the F1 Academy?

I am really excited to continue working with Tina [Hausmann] in 2025 as she embarks on her second year in F1 Academy, she’s developed her skills and confidence on track throughout last year which will only help her going into the new season. This year the series will be visiting four familiar venues, but there will also be the challenge of three new circuits that the drivers won’t have experience of. This and the return of the reverse grid race is sure to provide some exciting racing opportunities. 

As F1 has an ever-growing female fanbase, does the F1 Academy programme go far enough to create opportunities for women in the sport?

It’s not overstating it to say that F1 Academy is changing the face of motorsport – I’m a huge advocate for it. It is providing the perfect platform for young female drivers to develop and is also providing visibility by being on the F1 support package. But I would say a collective effort is needed outside of F1 Academy too, for example ensuring the whole industry is inclusive, encouraging girls into STEM roles at school and so on – it isn’t something that can be done in isolation.  

I read recently that Susie Wolff expects to see a woman on the F1 starting grid within the decade – what are your thoughts on this?

I would agree – and I really hope it happens. I think F1 and the industry more widely is doing all the right things to get more girls competing and working in all areas of motorsport. We just need to keep pushing and keep up the good work that is happening, especially in F1 Academy. 

It’s all about attracting the younger generation, showing them that motorsport is a viable option and that there are no genuine gender barriers. If you’re a young girl and dream of making it to Formula One, of course it’s a possibility! We have to spread this message if we’re going to be successful. The more girls we have competing in motorsport, right up from karting, the more chance we have of women getting to compete in F1 in the years ahead. Of course you need to be a talented driver, have the right funding to support your career and so on – but it’s a numbers game. If you have equal numbers of girls starting at grassroots level, the hope is we will end up with more women on the grid.

When it comes to high-speed racing, what impact does this have on your skin, and how do you look after yours?

When racing we have to wear our helmets for a prolonged period of time which can be a little harsh on the skin. I’ve been lucky to have been using the ELEMIS products for a while which helps – the Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm (£49 for 100g) is a real favourite, it honestly feels like having a spa treatment every evening. 

Inclusivity In Formula One

Séan Harrington, ELEMIS Co-Founder & CEO told us: ‘Through the partnership with the British team, we aim to promote inclusivity within the world of Formula One, which has recently seen a shift in fan demographic with a fast-growing female fan base. Together with Aston Martin Aramco Formula One, ELEMIS will strive to shift perception, empower others, and create an unrivalled lifestyle experience. 

‘During the first year of partnership, ELEMIS will launch an edit of exclusive, limited-edition product collections, as well as offering guests the ultimate trackside experience at the Aston Martin Aramco Paddock Club Suite, providing a moment of wellbeing with experiential ‘pit stop’ treatments.’

The treatment will consist of a 10-minute pit stop (thankfully slightly longer than the 1.8 second record currently held in the sport) in the Paddock Club Suite for a hand and arm massage using ELEMIS products. 

How To Watch F1 Academy

The first F1 Academy race of the 2025 season kicks off in China from 21-23 March, and will be available to stream on the F1 Academy YouTube. 

Meanwhile, the 2025 season of Formula one kicks off this weekend 14-16 March with the Australian GP, available to watch on SkySports F1 and Sky Go.