RB announces Rafaela Ferreira for the 2025 F1 Academy season

Presently, she sits fourth in this year’s Brazilian F4 and made history as the first female winner; her tally currently sits at two wins and five podiums. 

"I'm extremely happy to be driving for the Visa Cash App RB Academy Programme in F1 Academy in 2025,” Ferreira said. “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.

“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!"

RB Team Principal, Laurent Mekies, added: "Everyone at the team is hugely excited to welcome Rafaela to the VCARB family. Rafaela is an exceptional emerging Brazilian talent, and we're pleased to share this global, and empowering, platform to compete, race, and grow together.

“F1 Academy has been a great success this season, the exposure that it's generated for women's motorsport is revolutionary. I hope we can continue to inspire the next generation of female talent in motorsports, and we look forward to seeing Rafaela grow and flourish as a driver.”

RB bid farewell to Emirati driver Amna Al Qubaisi, who leaves having completed her maximum two-season stint in the all-female series.