From Ski Racing to F1 Academy: Audi Gives Clara Stiebleichinger Her Shot

[Source: Audi Revolut F1 Team]

Audi’s latest young racing prospect didn’t spend her childhood competing in karts or logging countless hours on racing simulators. In fact, Clara Stiebleichinger didn’t begin her motorsport journey until 2024. Just two years later, the 21-year-old Austrian will represent the Audi Revolut F1 Academy Program at the upcoming F1 Academy Rookie Test.

Before getting behind the wheel of a race car, Stiebleichinger competed professionally in alpine skiing in her native Austria. Her transition to four wheels began when she participated in the Feed Racing Shootout Program in France in 2024. Remarkably, she entered the program without previous karting or sim-racing experience.

By early 2025, Stiebleichinger was driving Formula 4 machinery. She made her competitive debut later that year in the Indian F4 Championship, finishing 11th among 21 drivers and ending the season as the championship’s highest-ranked female competitor. Her best finish was fourth.

The rapid progression continued this year when she moved to French F4. Stiebleichinger has qualified as high as fourth and became only the second woman in the championship’s history to score points. She is also currently fighting for the Women’s Championship title. Now Audi is giving her another opportunity to demonstrate what she can do.

Stiebleichinger will drive an Audi-branded car operated by Rodin Motorsport during the F1 Academy Rookie Test at Circuito de Navarra from September 9–11. The on-track portion follows a Rookie Training Camp that includes physical and cognitive assessments, workshops, and preparation for the demands of professional racing.

Audi Driver Development Program Director Allan McNish says Stiebleichinger has already demonstrated considerable potential despite her limited racing experience. “Clara has already shown her potential in the short time she has been racing,” McNish said, adding that the rookie test will provide valuable experience both on and off the track.

Stiebleichinger isn’t approaching the test expecting instant results, either. She says her goal is to learn, identify areas where she can improve, and maximize every lap.

Her path from professional skiing to single-seater racing has already moved remarkably quickly. Now, with Audi’s backing and an F1 Academy opportunity ahead of her, we’ll get to see just how far that unconventional journey can take her.