Gatorade has become the first official sports drink partner of F1 ACADEMY in a multi-year agreement running through 2030. This landmark collaboration will bring Gatorade’s renowned sports science and hydration expertise directly to the paddock, helping young female drivers perform at their best in one of the world’s most demanding sports.
Formula 1 drivers can lose up to four kilograms of body weight through sweat during a single race. Under this partnership, F1 ACADEMY competitors will work with the Gatorade Sports Science Institute to develop personalised hydration strategies, performance testing and nutrition plans. The programme will include sweat analysis, tailored fluid replacement protocols and recovery guidance, all designed to maintain focus and endurance under extreme heat and high G-forces.
Starting in the 2026 season, one rising F1 ACADEMY talent will sport Gatorade-branded livery and race gear, raising the profile of women in motorsport. To kick off the collaboration, 16-year-old Wild Card driver Mathilda Paatz will debut the Gatorade car and suit at this weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix. Paatz said she is thrilled to combine her passion for racing with Gatorade’s performance support on one of the sport’s most iconic circuits.
“This partnership is about more than branding,” said Umi Patel, PepsiCo’s Vice President of Marketing Innovation and Hydration Brands. “By delivering real-time hydration science to these drivers, we are empowering them to reach new levels of performance and inspiring other young women to pursue their racing dreams.”
F1 ACADEMY Managing Director Susie Wolff added, “Gatorade’s hands-on approach will give our drivers tools they can use throughout their careers.” More details on driver support and research initiatives will be revealed ahead of the 2026 season.