Paatz sets sights on montreal as f1 academy star rockets

German driver Mathilda Paatz is rapidly ascending the motorsport ladder, securing a coveted seat with Aston Martin Aramco and PREMA Racing in the F1 Academy series. This weekend’s Silverstone testing marks a crucial step towards her ambitious goals.

A karting prodigy’s meteoric rise

Born at just ten years old, Paatz’s journey began in karting, quickly establishing herself as a formidable competitor. Her impressive performance last year at the F1 ACADEMY race in Montreal – a wildcard appearance that catapulted her to the forefront – secured her the Aston Martin Aramco driver position. It’s a far cry from the initial announcement in November, where she was first linked with the Aramco driver role for the 2026 F1 ACADEMY season – a period of intense dedication that hasn’t slowed her momentum.

Shanghai proved a strong first weekend, finishing just outside the points, a result she’s determined to build upon. The team’s collaboration with PREMA and Aston Martin Aramco is, as she put it, “pretty amazing,” showcasing a burgeoning partnership ripe with potential.

“We came from the back due to the Quali issue, but we managed to find ourselves almost into the points, which is still a pretty good result,” Paatz explained after Shanghai. “We showed we have the pace to earn points, so now from Montreal we’ll be pushing for that.”

Beyond the track: a moment of reflection

Speaking from Silverstone, Paatz revealed a focused, almost understated, approach. “I've never been that far away from home. 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 experience, she emphasized, has been profoundly educational, both on and off the circuit.