Australian motorsport athlete and AGI Sport driver Imogen Radburn has returned from Spain’s Navarro region, where she made history as one of 18 up-and-coming female open-wheel drivers to take part in the F1 Academy Rookie Test.

Radburn said her two-day experience at the inaugural F1 Academy Rookie Test will undoubtedly make her a better driver.

The 19-year-old New South Wales-based competitor recently joined her fellow female drivers for a chance to show in-person why they should be considered for a highly-coveted spot on the 2026 F1 Academy grid.

“I think it was a really good experience. It’s another thing that you just sort of add to what you’ve done in your career and to make it into that sort of top 18 in the world is pretty surreal,” Radburn said.

“We didn’t think we’d be there 12 months ago, let alone 18 months ago I didn’t think I’d be driving an F4 car either.

“Overall, it’s a huge step in my career, and to say that I was the first Australian to be selected to the F1 Academy Rookie Test is a massive honour.

“I made the absolute most out of it. I did everything I possibly could in my power to make my mark and make sure that I put my best foot forward.”

As part of the test, all 18 drivers took to Spain’s Circuit de Navarra in equal machinery and conditions at the same time, working with some of the biggest teams in junior single-seater racing, as well as being mentored by 2024 F1 Academy Champion Abbi Pulling.

The testing was split across two days on 17-18 September with driver development the focus on the opening day, as rookies immersed themselves in an F1 Academy team, observing briefings and engineering sessions alongside the current grid.

Drivers participated in research-led physical and cognitive assessments delivered by the series’ Official Driver Performance & Research Partner, More than Equal, to support their individual development and progression, which provided each driver with detailed insights into her own performance, including strength, cognition, and endurance.

The final day involved drivers getting behind the wheel of a F1 Academy vehicle for six hours of track time.

Radburn, a former AU4 Championship competitor locally, was competitive among the world-class field of drivers at the testing and now awaits her fate from one of the F1 Academy teams for 2026.

If successful, Radburn would become the third Australian to join the F1 Academy ranks alongside Joanne Ciconte and Aiva Anagnostiadis.

“It’s now waiting game to see who gets in. You could be with another team that you didn’t test with. You honestly don’t know what could happen from here,” Radburn said.

“It’s the first time they’ve ever done it, so no one sort of knows what to expect. So, obviously, I’ll keep my options open for next year, in case things don’t go my way – whether that’s GT cars or something similar, I’ve always wanted to shoot for the stars and make it to Supercars.

“That was always the first goal with Cam Hill and racing with CHE Racing Team, and that’s why we did Formula Ford for three years, to really lay that foundation of how hard cars can be driven.

“Who knows what could happen? I didn’t think I’d be in this situation eight to 12 months ago, so who knows where my driving could take me?”

Radburn continues to be a role model for younger drivers, engaging with programs such as Motorsport Australia First Gear and Girls on Track events as an instructor and speaker.

Two more rounds remain in the 2025 F1 Academy season at the Singapore and Las Vegas Grand Prix.