Photo: Red Bull
Brazilian Formula 4 race-winner Rafaela Ferreira will compete in F1 Academy in 2025 representing Red Bull’s sister team RB.
Ferreira debuted in Brazilian F4 in 2023, scoring a podium in the final round at Interlagos as she finished 13th in the standings. Continuing that improved form into 2024, she has won two reversed-grid races at Velo Citta and Buenos Aires as well as claiming a double pole position at Interlagos and a total of seven podium finishes.
She sits fourth in the standings with three rounds still to run, beginning with this weekend’s support races at Formula 1’s Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos, and RB has taken that opportunity to announce Ferreira as its supported driver for F1 Academy next year.
“This opportunity represents a big step in my career, and is a dream come true to work with a team that has so much talent,” said Ferreira. “I’m determined to give my best and go after great results. It’ll be something new for me, but I’m confident that we will achieve a lot together. I’m already preparing and am excited for next year!”
It is not currently clear which of F1 Academy’s teams will operate Ferreira’s RB-branded car.
The Red Bull group has supported three drivers in 2024, all racing for MP Motorsport, and appears set to do the same next year having already announced Chloe Chambers will replace Emely De Heus in its Ford-backed car.
Sisters Hamda and Amna Al Qubaisi, who have raced in the liveries of the Red Bull Racing and RB teams respectively, are like De Heus among those who must move on from F1 Academy after 2024 because of the championship’s mandated two-season limit.
“We’ve been impressed by Rafaela’s performance this season and are very pleased to welcome her to the team and work with her in F1 Academy in 2025,” said Sarah Harrington, a Red Bull performance coach who also manages its dedicated F1 Academy programme run separately to its Junior Team.
“Rafaela has great talent and potential and has already cemented herself as a race winner in Brazil. I’m looking forward to supporting her development and am excited to see what next season brings.”