F1 ACADEMY heads to Zandvoort this weekend for Round 4 of the 2026 season, with Mathilda Paatz ready to take on one of the calendar’s most distinctive circuits. Hear from Mathilda as she looks ahead to the Dutch Grand Prix, sharing her thoughts on the weekend ahead and what it means to race at Zandvoort.
F1 ACADEMY
SCHEDULE
(*CENTRAL EUROPEAN SUMMER TIME)
DAY SESSION TIME*
Friday Free Practice 14:00
Saturday Qualifying 09:20
Saturday Reverse Grid Race 14:35
Sunday Feature Race 10:30
Mathilda Paatz, Aston Martin Aramco Driver Academy & F1 ACADEMY Driver:
“I’m really excited to be back racing this week. It’s a special race for me, with close friends and my mum coming to watch, and being only three hours from home, it almost feels like my home race. I’m hoping to bounce back strongly after Silverstone, find the pace and score some good points. Of course, I’m always targeting podiums, but most importantly I want to perform well and keep progressing towards my goal of being the best rookie.”
MORE FROM MATHILDA PAATZ
As she turns 18, Mathilda Paatz reflects on the journey that took her from karting at Michael Schumacher's circuit in Kerpen and spending nights supporting her father at the Nürburgring to becoming an F1 ACADEMY race winner – and explains why 'The Green Hell' will always be 'The Green Heaven' to her. Visit our website to read the full interview.
About the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One™ Team Driver Academy
The Aston Martin Aramco Formula One™ Team Driver Academy is dedicated to identifying and developing the next generation of exceptional motorsport talent. From karting to single-seaters, the Academy provides a clear path to the top tiers of racing through tailored racecraft mentorship, simulator work, physical training, media coaching, and race weekend immersion. In partnership with DPK Racing and leveraging the global connections and karting expertise of Fernando Alonso, the Academy strengthens its mission to support emerging drivers from the earliest stages of their careers.
