BBC spotlights F1 Academy and junior paths

BBC Sport’s latest Formula 1 features covered F1 Academy’s return, McLaren’s junior drivers and the costs facing racers trying to reach the grid.

BBC Sport’s latest Formula 1 features focused on F1 Academy, junior drivers and the cost of reaching the grid. The broadcaster reported that Alisha Palmowski discussed F1 Academy’s return on Chequered Flag, while separate BBC items featured Oscar Piastri at Goodwood and Lando Norris in a chat with Declan Rice.

It also published a feature on McLaren juniors Ella Häkkinen, Ella Lloyd and Ella Stevens, and another piece on Ollie Bearman before his home Grand Prix weekend, including his effort to catch up to Kimi Antonelli. Bearman was described by BBC Sport as returning to his home race.

Elsewhere, BBC Sport examined the financial reality for drivers trying to climb the ladder to Formula 1, while Andrew Benson assessed how much money is needed to reach the series and why costs have increased. That route has already brought Arvid Lindblad to Formula 1 in 2026; the RB F1 Team driver was 11th in the standings on 20 points after nine races, with a best finish of seventh.