Shi Wei returns as first Wild Card driver of 2026 F1 ACADEMY season

F1 ACADEMY has announced that Chinese driver Shi Wei, also known as ‘Tie Dou’, will return as the first F1 ACADEMY Wild Card entry of the 2026 season.

Shi made history last season as the first Chinese driver to compete in F1 ACADEMY. She now returns to race in front of her home crowd at Round 1 of the 2026 campaign in Shanghai, as the series again runs as a support series to the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix from March 13.

Shi returns to the F1 ACADEMY grid following a victory at the F4 Chinese Masters, the first F4 race win by a Chinese female driver, representing a landmark achievement in the history of Chinese motorsport.

Introduced in the 2024 season, the Wild Card initiative was created to strengthen regional talent in the markets where F1 ACADEMY races, prioritising emerging young drivers from each race region. Since its launch, the programme has delivered 13 Wild Card entries across two seasons, with eight of 17 current full‑time 2026 seats now occupied by former Wild Card drivers.

F1 ACADEMY Wild Card entry for China, Shi Wei, said: “I truly cherish the opportunity to compete again as a Wild Card driver. I will work hard in preparation so that more people can witness the rise of Chinese women in motorsport.

"I hope my journey can inspire others – racing is not reserved for only a few. With persistence, dedication, and passion, everyone has the chance to go further.”

He Jiandong, Vice President and Secretary-General of the Federation of Automobile and Motorcycle Sports of China, added: “We are proud of Shi Wei’s excellent performances. Her continued participation highlights the growth potential of Chinese women in racing. We will continue to support female drivers and promote a more open pathway for talent.”