F1 Academy Takes the Spotlight

When it comes to high-energy events, Miami knows how to deliver, and the F1 Academy Netflix premiere at The Fillmore was no exception! With the excitement of the Formula 1 race weekend just around the corner, this was a night that had it all: glitz, glamour, passion, and a celebration of women in motorsport. It wasn’t just an event; it was a full-on experience that set the stage for what promises to be an incredible series.

The special evening marked the debut of F1: The Academy, a highly anticipated docu-series produced by Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine, and set to premiere globally on Netflix on May 28, 2025. And let me tell you, from the fashion to the amazing first episode, to the empowering conversations that took place, this was a night to remember. Here’s everything you need to know about it.

The Vibe? So Miami.

There’s no place quite like Miami, especially when it comes to its vibrant culture scene. The Fillmore was the perfect venue to host this exclusive premiere: elegant, but still full of that Miami touch. The energy was palpable, and it was clear that this event was going to be something special! The venue felt intimate enough to foster a sense of connection while also being large enough to accommodate a star-studded crowd.

And let me just say, Miami brought out the style. Everyone in attendance turned up with their own fashion game. From sleek racing-inspired looks to glamorous cocktail dresses to street wear and more, the attendees were serving up some serious style! It was a runway show in its own right — and let’s face it, when you’re in Miami, fashion is always on full display.

The Guest List Was STACKED

If you love motorsport, this event was a dream. The guest list was a who's who of the F1 world, all showing up to support the launch of a groundbreaking series. We had current F1 stars rubbing elbows with rising talent from F1 Academy:

• George Russell and Gabriel Bortoleto from Mercedes and Stake F1, always looking sharp and bringing the charm.

• Isack Hadjar and Liam Lawson from the Racing Bulls F1 Team, adding their energy to the mix.

• Jonathan Wheatley, Team Principal of Stake F1, offering that industry insider perspective.

• Abbi Pulling, the first-ever F1 Academy champion, whose victory set a precedent for the future.

• Tina Hausmann and Doriane Pin, better known as “The Pocket Rocket,” who represent the fierce spirit of F1 Academy drivers.

And honestly, this was just the beginning. The mix of F1 drivers, F1 Academy talent, and high-profile execs was a reminder of the vast support this series is getting, both from within motorsport and beyond. It was clear that everyone here wanted to see this series succeed and shine a light on the incredible women making their mark in motorsport.

Susie Wolff & Reese Witherspoon

Before the screening, we were treated to a special conversation between Susie Wolff and Reese Witherspoon. They spoke about how they came together to bring this project to life.

Susie Wolff, Managing Director of F1 Academy, and Reese Witherspoon, owner of Hello Sunshine, are both instrumental in pushing women’s visibility in motorsport. Their passion for this project was infectious as they discussed the value of representation and the importance of showing the world what women in motorsport are capable of.

They talked about how this series is a story about those who have fought for their place in the racing world and how it's about empowering the next generation of drivers to follow their dreams without limits. Their commitment to telling this story the right way is so inspiring, and it’s clear they’ve created something that’s going to make a lasting impact.

The Premiere Episode

Once we were all settled in, the excitement reached its peak as we watched the first episode of F1: The Academy. It was everything we hoped for and more.

What I loved most about the episode was its focus on the personal stories of the drivers. It was so refreshing to see the human side of these athletes, not just the racing persona that often gets all the attention. This show isn’t just about the wheel-to-wheel action or the in-car battles. It’s about the women behind the helmets, the families that support them, and the passion that drives them to compete at the highest level.

The episode centers around the 2024 Miami Grand Prix and focuses on drivers like Lia Block, Bianca Bustamante, and others as they navigate the pressures of the race weekend. There’s a beautiful balance between their racing goals and their personal lives, and the series did a fantastic job of bringing both aspects to light in their first episode.

For F1 Academy’s first season, there wasn’t as much video coverage or social media attention as I personally felt it deserved. This show, however, gives the series the kind of traction it has been missing, and it’s about time!

I’m excited to see how this docuseries brings more attention to the women racing in F1 Academy and how it could amplify the league’s presence in the motorsport world. If the first episode is anything to go by, we’re in for a deep dive into the lives of these talented women that will have fans everywhere rooting for them.

The Q&A

After the screening, the evening shifted gears into a Q&A session with a panel of remarkable women, we had Susie Wolff, Hello Sunshine's Sara Rea Executive producer, and Elizabeth Rutledge Chief marketing officer for American Express. This was one of the most powerful moments of the night!

These women spoke openly about the struggles they’ve faced within male-centered industries and about how things are changing. How the doors are opening for the next wave of women drivers, engineers, and team leaders. They touched on the challenges of breaking barriers and the ongoing fight to be seen as equals in a world that can be so resistant to change.

It was an emotional moment to witness, and it gave the crowd a sense of just how monumental it is that we’re now talking about an entire series centered around women in motorsport. This series is proof that things are evolving — and the fight for more representation is only getting stronger.

Young Miko Closes the Night

To wrap up the evening, Young Miko took the stage for a live performance that absolutely set the tone for the night!! The energy was through the roof, and the crowd was all in, dancing and vibing to her hits. The perfect cherry on top of an already unforgettable evening.

Mark Your Calendars

F1: The Academy will officially drop on Netflix on May 28, 2025, and trust me when I say this: it’s going to be a game-changer. This series isn’t just about motorsport; it’s about telling the story of women who have spent years proving that they belong in the spotlight. It’s a must-watch for anyone who loves F1, for anyone who’s ever cheered for the underdog, and especially for anyone who believes in the power of representation.

I left that theater feeling not just entertained, but inspired, hopeful, and ready to see how the world will respond to these incredible drivers.

Written by: Chelsea Fernandez