16-year-old Australian Girl Takes Pole Position as the Youngest 2025 F1 Academy Driver

Joanne Ciconte is the youngest and latest driver to be announced for this year's Formula 1 Academy, marking Australia's first-ever participation in the prestigious series which is an F1 initiative led by Susie Wolff.

This milestone is considered to be nothing short of remarkable. Ciconte started karting at the age of nine, and since this time she has secured multiple State Championship podiums including the title of 2023 Australian Ladies Pink Plate Champion. She transitioned into Formula 4 (F4), making an immediate impact. 

Joanne said this is an important and exciting step in her motorsport career and that she was looking forward to making the most of every opportunity.

"This is something that I've been working towards for a long time and to now actually be here makes me more inspired than ever," Joanne said.

"The F1 Academy has laid the foundations for women all over the world and given us the opportunity to represent our country while showcasing our skills as racing drivers. This would have been very difficult a few years back, a testimony to the impact of this incredible opportunity.

"To be the youngest participant in the 2025 lineup makes me even more proud as I fly the Australian Flag. I'm grateful to be part of this amazing opportunity and for the mentorship from the Pro Racing Management Team, led by Marco Cioci and Giancarlo Fisichella."

Her talent was recognised early, earning her a place as a finalist in the 2023 Ferrari Driver Academy Shootout at the legendary Fiorano test circuit in Italy. 

It was during this time that Ciconte was scouted by renowned Italian racing champions Giancarlo Fisichella and Marco Cioci, who identified her as a generational talent with the potential to reach the pinnacle of motorsport. With their mentorship and strategic guidance, the path was set to prepare her for a coveted position in the Formula 1 Academy.

Under the management and mentorship of Pro Racing, an elite Italian race academy, Ciconte dedicated her 2024/25 season to competing in some of the world's most competitive FIA F4 Championships, including the Italian and Spanish Formula 4 Series - both known for producing the next generation of Formula 1 drivers. These high-calibre competitions have provided her with invaluable experience as she now steps onto the global stage with the Formula 1 Academy.

Joanne Ciconte's entry into the 2025 Formula 1 Academy season represents a major milestone for Australian motorsport and underscores the growing presence of female talent in the highest levels of racing.