Just two years ago women's motorsport seemed in crisis as the all-female W Series folded due to financial difficulties after just three seasons, but the same year also saw Formula One announce the creation of the F1 Academy, founded with the promise of preparing young female drivers to move up the ranks to higher-level competition.
Last year's successful inaugural season saw Marta Garcia win the drivers' championship and earn a fully-funded seat in the Formula Regional European Championship, and the competition is seeing promising investment for the upcoming 2024 season as a partnership between global makeup brand Charlotte Tilbury and F1 Academy was announced last week.
Charlotte Tilbury is the first female-founded and the first beauty brand to sponsor the competition.
The sponsored car — adorned with the brand's iconic Hot Lips logo and the phrase "Makeup your destiny" — will be driven by 18-year-old Lola Lovinfosse of France, who earned a top-ten standing last year.
"I'm super happy and proud to be joining Charlotte Tilbury operated by Rodin Motorsport team," said the teenager, who has been racing since 2018. "I'm ready to fight!"
"With this partnership, we will use our global platform to elevate this new generation of fearless young female drivers," said founder and president Charlotte Tilbury.
"It's all about the winning and 'Dare to Dream It' mindset! I always say you can makeup your destiny — which is why we made it the empowering mantra of this partnership — it's even emblazoned on our F1 Academy race car!! Get ready to race toward your dreams, darlings, and makeup your destiny!"
Managing Director of F1 Academy Susie Wolff stated, "At F1 Academy we want young women and girls to feel confident to chase their dreams, no matter the odds. We are on a mission to transform access to our sport, celebrate trailblazing female pioneers in our industry, and inspire a new generation of young women to pursue a career in motorsport."
"It's a huge privilege to be partnering with Charlotte Tilbury, a brand whose values align so closely with our own. I want to thank Charlotte for believing in our mission and enabling us to reach a new audience of young women to showcase the opportunities available to them in our sport. Our message to them is simple: dare to dream."
The 2024 F1 Academy season opens in Jeddah, Saudia Arabia, from March 7-9. The season finale will be held in Abu Dhabi in December.
