Haas name Kaylee Countryman as 2026 F1 ACADEMY driver

Haas have announced that American racer Kaylee Countryman will be representing them on the grid for the 2026 F1 ACADEMY campaign, driving with ART Grand Prix.

The 15-year-old from Chandler, Arizona – who turns 16 in January – has become the 10th driver confirmed for the upcoming season.

Countryman began racing three years ago, competing in a four-stroke Briggs & Stratton-powered kart in the LO206 J2 class. That same year saw her achieve multiple podiums, including a second-place finish at a national karting event in California, alongside racing at the Grand Nationals in Indiana.

In 2023, she progressed from a four-stroke kart to a two-stroke, joining the J3 Competition and earning a spot as a factory driver for CompKart. This season, Countryman competed in the North American-based USF Juniors as one of three female drivers in the 22-driver field, scoring four top-10 finishes.

In addition, the American participated in the F1 ACADEMY in-season test in Navarra, and made a two-round appearance in the USF2000 Championship.

Alongside racing in F1 ACADEMY next year, Countryman will be driving in the USF2000 Championship.

“I’m so thrilled that I’ve been given this opportunity to represent Haas F1 Team and ART Grand Prix in the F1 ACADEMY for 2026,” said Countryman. “I look forward to taking another step in my career and learning to work in such a professional environment.

“I’m particularly excited about the various circuits we’ll be visiting around the world and being part of all that F1 ACADEMY represents. I enjoyed a productive test with ART Grand Prix and I’m keen to build on that foundation as we go racing in 2026.”

“We’re delighted to welcome Kaylee Countryman into the team to represent us in F1 ACADEMY from next season,” stated Ayao Komatsu, Team Principal of MoneyGram Haas F1 Team. “Her personality and passion for this sport are contagious, and we want to ensure she has everything she needs to flourish in F1 ACADEMY, whether that be access to our resources and personnel, or simply advice and guidance.

“I believe together, we’ll achieve some exciting things on-track. I’m delighted Kaylee’s joined us, and we look forward to seeing her development as a driver in F1 ACADEMY.”