Paatz rockets: german karting prodigy lands f1 academy seat
Mathilda Paatz, a 17-year-old German driver, is making waves in motorsport, securing a coveted seat with Aston Martin Aramco and PREMA Racing in the F1 Academy series. This isn’t just another stepping stone; it’s the culmination of a decade-long karting journey that began at just ten years old.
From karting prodigy to f1 academy star
Paatz’s ascent has been nothing short of remarkable. Starting her karting career at a tender age, she quickly established herself as a force to be reckoned with, culminating in a third-place finish at the 2022 ADAC Kart Masters – Ladies Cup. Further solidifying her position, Paatz clinched four victories in the 2025 E4 Championship, showcasing consistent talent and a drive to excel.
A team partnership fuels the ambition
“Working with the team at PREMA, and Aston Martin Aramco, it’s just a pretty amazing experience,” Paatz stated, reflecting on her initial foray into the program. She’s already demonstrated her potential, securing a strong result in her Shanghai debut, just outside the points, hinting at the speed and racecraft she brings to the table. It’s a pace she’s determined to maintain and build upon.
Shanghai's unexpected highlights
While Shanghai presented challenges – a difficult Qualifying session leading to a back-of-the-grid start – Paatz and her team showcased impressive resilience, battling through the field and securing a solid result. “We showed we have the pace to earn points,” she explained, highlighting the strategic battles and overtaking maneuvers. And yes, she even got to share a moment with Mickey Mouse – a rather unexpected highlight, she admitted.
Learning, adapting, and the power of calm
Paatz credits her racing mentor, Jessica Hawkins, head of F1 ACADEMY at Aston Martin Aramco, for instilling a crucial mindset. “She brings a lot of experience, and I just try to soak up everything,” Paatz shared. “What I really like is her positive, but still focused mindset. It’s really helped me in the races to keep my head cool and to really focus on the goal.” The key, she revealed, is maintaining a positive attitude and concentrating on the task at hand, rather than dwelling on results.
Looking ahead to silverstone
With the next race on the horizon at Silverstone, Paatz is focused on refining her approach. “I’m feeling pretty good and don’t have too high expectations,” she stated. “We’ve been working with PREMA on the simulator trying to prepare ourselves.” Silverstone represents an opportunity to build on her initial progress and further hone her skills. She’s eager to return to the track and push her limits, aiming for a strong performance and demonstrating her readiness for the upcoming season.
Montreal's next chapter
Paatz’s ultimate goal is to consistently improve, build her confidence, and ultimately earn points. “We missed out in Shanghai but we showed we have the pace for points, so definitely aiming for those,” she emphasized, driving towards a strong showing in Montreal. It’s a homecoming for Paatz, a chance to showcase her progress as the Wildcard and solidify her position within the F1 ACADEMY program. The team is confident that she'll step up and deliver a compelling performance – a testament to her dedication and burgeoning talent.”