The second round of the Champions of the Future Academy (COFTA) took place in Valencia this weekend, and it’s making waves as an essential stepping stone for young female drivers into motorsport. Developed in partnership with the F1 Academy and Champions of the Future, COFTA isn’t just a karting championship—it's a key part of a growing movement to create equal opportunities for women in motorsport, with karting acting as the perfect route to higher levels of competition.
Karting: The Gateway to Motorsport for Women
For many, karting is the starting point for a career in motorsport, and COFTA is designed to make that entry more accessible, especially for girls. Karting provides an ideal platform for young drivers to develop their skills in a competitive yet supportive environment. What’s more, COFTA breaks down some of the traditional barriers by ensuring a level playing field for both male and female drivers.
By offering three categories—Minis (8-11), Juniors (11-14), and Seniors (14+)—COFTA allows female drivers to race against each other while competing in a diverse, mixed-gender field. With at least one international event outside of Europe each season, it gives young women in motorsport the chance to showcase their talent on a global stage.
As RGMMC, the organisers of COFTA, explain, “The pursuit of more diverse racing opportunities and the discovery of promising talent are vital for the sport’s growth and sustainability.” With karting being the cornerstone of many racing careers, COFTA is positioning itself as a crucial part of the pathway for girls aiming for the top in motorsport.
The Role of F1 Academy in Supporting Female Karting Talent
F1 Academy is central to COFTA’s success, offering crucial support to the top female karters in each category. The Discover Your Drive program is designed to identify and nurture talent, providing financial backing, guidance, and equipment to ensure that the next generation of female drivers has every opportunity to succeed.
The F1 Academy is committed to creating a pipeline for young girls in motorsport, and karting is where it all begins. By providing female drivers with the tools to progress through the ranks, the F1 Academy helps build a pathway from karting to single-seater racing, where more significant opportunities for a professional career in motorsport await.
As Susie Wolff, Managing Director of F1 Academy, stated: “With so much momentum building around F1 Academy, we must continue to strengthen the pipeline of talent coming into our sport.” For many of these talented young girls, COFTA is the first step toward a potential career in motorsport.
A Look at the COFTA Calendar for 2025
The COFTA series provides a structured and competitive environment for young drivers to refine their skills across several weekends in 2025:
- Round 1: Portugal (Feb 28 – Mar 2)
- Round 2: Spain (Apr 11 – 13)
- Round 3: Italy (Jul 4 – 6)
- Round 4: Hungary (Sep 19 – 26)
- Round 5: Qatar (Nov 24 – 26)
- Round 6: United Arab Emirates (Dec 1 – 3)
Each race weekend features a mix of free practice, qualifying, heats, and finals, offering plenty of opportunities for drivers to demonstrate their talent and progress in the sport.
Meet the COFTA Drivers
The young women competing in COFTA are already showing that karting is a powerful launchpad for motorsport careers. Here are some of the rising stars you’ll want to watch:
Mini Category (8-11 Years)
- Alba Cueva: The 2025 F1 Academy Discover Your Drive driver has been karting since she was six and has won multiple regional championships.
- Atiqa Mir: At just 10 years old, Atiqa made history by becoming the first female to win an RMC International Trophy race at Le Mans.
- Ava Lawrence: A talented 10-year-old with podium finishes and championships already under her belt, Ava is a rising star in the karting world.
Junior Category (11-14 Years)
- Angelina Simons: A member of the Iron Dames program, Angelina finished as Junior Vice Champion of Spain at just 12.
- Vanessa Silkunaite: A standout in European championships, Vanessa was the 2023 Girls On Track Rising Stars winner and has shown exceptional promise.
- Victoria Farfus: The 13-year-old Brazilian has already taken podiums in international karting competitions and is set to make her mark.
Senior Category (14-17 Years)
- Chiara Battig: A Swiss karting champion, Chiara has already proven herself at the national level and is now competing in international series.
- Ella Häkkinen: Daughter of F1 champion Mika Häkkinen, Ella won her first international race in Italy in 2024 and continues to impress.
- Klara Kowalczyk: One of the top female drivers in European karting, Klara’s progression through the sport is one to watch.
The Future of Female Motorsport Talent
For many young women, karting is where it all begins, and COFTA is playing a pivotal role in ensuring that female drivers have the opportunity to progress. The support provided by F1 Academy and the competition at COFTA gives these drivers a chance to develop their skills and ultimately make their way into higher levels of motorsport, such as single-seater racing.
Through initiatives like COFTA, karting has become a viable and vital route into motorsport for young girls. With a strong foundation in place, the future for women in motorsport looks brighter than ever, and COFTA is helping to pave the way for the next generation of female drivers.
Interested in karting? KKC Karting has all the equipment, expert advice, and services you need to start your own journey. Check out our range and get ready to race!