Kaylee Countryman will compete in the 2026 F1 Academy season, joining ART Grand Prix with backing from the TGR Haas F1 Team. The American driver becomes the third and final member of ART’s line-up for the season, completing a full rookie trio.
The move marks a major milestone in Countryman’s career, as she prepares for her first full campaign on the international stage in F1 Academy.
Early racing background
Countryman began racing at the age of 12 with the Phoenix Kart Racing Association (PKRA) in Arizona. Competing in the LO206 J2 category, she quickly established herself as a consistent front-runner, securing multiple podium finishes during her first season.
Among her early highlights were a second-place finish at a national karting event in California and participation in the Grand Nationals in Indiana. Those results placed her firmly on a pathway beyond regional competition and into higher-profile junior categories.
Progression through karting
In 2023, Kaylee Countryman stepped up to two-stroke karting with J3 Competition, entering a far more competitive national environment. During this phase, she was selected as a CompKart factory driver, gaining valuable experience with increased technical demands and stronger competition.
That season also marked her first races outside the United States and delivered her first PKRA victory, underlining her ability to adapt quickly and perform under pressure.
Transition to Formulas
Countryman made her single-seater debut in 2025 with Exclusive Autosport in the USF Juniors Championship, part of the Road to Indy development ladder. Racing in a full and competitive grid, she recorded several top-10 finishes and built experience across a range of North American circuits.
She will remain with Exclusive Autosport in 2026, stepping up to the USF2000 Championship alongside her F1 Academy commitments, further strengthening her formula racing foundation.
ART Grand Prix Line-up confirmed
The second half of 2025 proved decisive for Kaylee Countryman’s future. She took part in the F1 Academy rookie test at Navarra, Spain, gaining her first direct exposure to the series. Rather than being originally listed for the test, Countryman stepped in for Courtney Crone across both days due to prior commitments.
That opportunity proved significant. In 2026, ART Grand Prix will field a three car operation in F1 Academy, with Countryman joining French drivers Lisa Billard and Jade Jaquet to form a fully rookie line-up. The trio arrives from different development backgrounds, each making a major step forward after strong impressions at Navarra.
F1 Academy campaign ahead
The 2026 F1 Academy season will feature seven rounds and 14 races, all held alongside Formula 1 events. Drivers will face a wide variety of circuits and conditions, with practice, qualifying and two races split across each race weekend.
“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.”
For Kaylee Countryman, the campaign represents both her first full international season and her first year racing primarily outside North America. The calendar still offers familiar ground, with the final two rounds taking place in Austin and Las Vegas, giving her a chance to race in front of a home crowd.
Until then, the focus remains on learning, adaptation and building momentum ahead of her rookie year.
