Paatz pushes limits: young german driver makes f1 academy debut

Mathilda Paatz, a name to watch in motorsport, is already making waves after a stunning rise through the ranks. At just 17, the German-born driver has secured a seat with Aston Martin Aramco and PREMA Racing in the F1 Academy, showcasing a trajectory that’s far from conventional.

Silverstone testing ignites paatz’s ambition

This week saw the return of the F1 ACADEMY cars to the track at Silverstone, offering Paatz a crucial opportunity to hone her skills ahead of the upcoming Montreal race. It’s a chance to truly push herself, and frankly, a testament to her remarkable progress since bursting onto the scene at just 10 years old with her karting beginnings.

Paatz’s journey has been nothing short of meteoric. Starting in the ADAC Kart Masters at a young age, she quickly established herself, culminating in a third-place finish in the Ladies Cup in 2022 and a string of victories in the E4 Championship in 2025. A standout performance at last year’s F1 ACADEMY race in Montreal propelled her to the top, earning her the coveted Aston Martin Aramco driver role.

“Working with the team at PREMA, and Aston Martin Aramco, it’s just a pretty amazing experience,” she told me over the phone, describing the collaborative environment. Shanghai proved a solid debut, just outside the points, but one that highlighted the pace she’s capable of sustaining.

But beyond the results, Paatz is focused on the process. She credits a calm mindset and unwavering focus – a secret technique she’s understandably reluctant to divulge – for navigating the pressures of competition. Interestingly, her first encounter with the F1 ACADEMY came in November 2023, when Aston Martin Aramco officially announced her as their driver for the 2026 season, and she’s been relentlessly building on that momentum ever since.

She’s not alone in this pursuit. Fellow rookie Natalia Granada and Payton Westcott are part of a PREMA Racing rookies group chat, providing a vital support network. Jessica Hawkins, head of F1 ACADEMY at Aston Martin Aramco, has been a key mentor, emphasizing a positive yet focused approach – something Paatz clearly values. “She brings a lot of experience and I just try to soak up everything,” Paatz confided. “What I’ve enjoyed the most is developing myself on track. I've developed so much on the race craft and also working together with the team and seeing myself progress.”

The trip to Shanghai was a particularly memorable experience. Far from her home, Paatz embraced the opportunity to immerse herself in a new culture, a welcome contrast to the intensity of the track. She even had a chance to spot Mickey Mouse – a surprisingly delightful detour. “I’ve never been that far away from home,” she admitted. “Going to China was really a great experience. I also got to see the culture outside from the track, so that was pretty amazing.”

The weekend wasn’t without its challenges, though. A qualifying issue resulted in a difficult start, but the team rallied, and Paatz managed to climb close to the points. The sheer volume of fan interaction – “Mathilda, can I take a picture?” – was overwhelming, punctuated by messages of encouragement and admiration. She’s collected a surprisingly impressive collection of gifts: bracelets, plushies, a drawing, and even a miniature Aston Martin Lego heart on her backpack.