Teen f1 star mathilda paatz gears up for silverstone debut
German-born Mathilda Paatz, just 17 years old, is poised to make her mark on the Formula 1 landscape this weekend at Silverstone, as she steps into the cockpit of an F1 ACADEMY car. Her rapid ascent through the motorsport ranks – from karting at age 10 to securing a seat with Aston Martin Aramco and PREMA Racing – is a testament to her raw talent and relentless drive.
A whirlwind rise in motorsport
Paatz’s journey began with a passion for karting, blossoming into a formidable competitor. She’s already racked up impressive results, including a third-place finish at the 2022 ADAC Kart Masters – Ladies Cup, and four race wins in the 2025 E4 Championship. A standout performance at last year’s F1 ACADEMY race in Montreal – a ‘wildcard’ entry – catapulted her to the attention of Aston Martin Aramco, leading to her current opportunity.
Shanghai’s first taste of the big time
Her debut weekend in Shanghai proved a valuable learning experience, despite finishing just outside the points. Paatz highlighted the significant cultural immersion involved, noting a memorable encounter with Mickey Mouse. “It was really a great experience,” she told Cosmopolitan UK, “I’ve been learning so much on track, and really working together with the team at PREMA, and with Aston Martin Aramco, [it’s] just a pretty amazing experience.”
Refined strategy for silverstone
Ahead of the upcoming race, Paatz is focusing on refining her approach. “We missed out in Shanghai but we showed we have the pace for points, so definitely aiming for those,” she stated. Silverstone represents a crucial opportunity to build on that momentum, allowing her to hone her skills and further develop her confidence with the team. The goal? To push the car and herself to the absolute limit.
Mentorship and momentum
She credits Aston Martin Aramco Formula One® Team head of F1 ACADEMY Jessica Hawkins for her guidance, praising Hawkins’ “positive, but still focused mindset.” The rookie group chat, featuring Natalia Granada and Payton Westcott, provides a vital support network. Paatz’s ambition extends beyond simply participating; she’s determined to “step up” her game and secure a top result in Montreal. The young driver expressed immense gratitude for the fans’ enthusiastic support, receiving numerous messages of encouragement and even receiving some adorable gifts – including bracelets, plushies, and a custom Aston Martin Lego heart.
Looking ahead: silverstone and beyond
Paatz is feeling confident, albeit with realistic expectations for Silverstone. “I’m feeling pretty good and don't have too high expectations,” she commented. “I’ve been working with PREMA on the simulator trying to prepare myself.” The race weekend holds particular significance, representing a chance to showcase her progress and demonstrate her potential to a wider audience.