LEWIS HAMILTON is heaped praise on the Formula One Academy this week.
The new F1 racing series is set to evolve for its second season in 2024, with all 10 teams to field a driver.
Launched this year, the series consists of 15 female drivers and is now approaching the end of its first year.
Two rounds remain, with three races at Le Castellet in France this weekend.
The season will then conclude in Austin in October with another three races, which will act as a support event for the United States Grand Prix.
Spanish driver Marta Garcia currently leads the Drivers’ Championship by 36 points ahead of her nearest challenger Hamda Al Qubaisi.
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Ahead of Sunday’s Belgian Grand Prix, Hamilton told reporters he was “really happy to hear of the progress being made” with the series.
He also praised F1 Academy managing director Susie Wolff, adding: “I think it’s been great.
“Having Susie in there, who was a phenomenal driver, so has the perspective from a driver side, but also she’s been a team owner.
“She’s really fighting for that inclusivity. So I think it’s really great the steps that were taken and really happy to hear that all of Formula 1 is on board.”
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For next year, the series is set to evolve, with more rounds taking place on F1 race weekends.
All 10 F1 teams will also field a single driver in 2024, with their cars fitted with the team’s livery.
The remaining five seats on the grid are set to be filled by the current partners.
These consist of ART Grand Prix, Campos Racing, MP Motorsport, PREMA Racing and Rodin Carlin.
Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk