Visa Cash RB adds Brazilian female driver to its F1 Academy line-up
The Visa Cash RB outfit has confirmed that Rafaela Ferreira has joined its Academy Programme, the first female race winner of the F4 Brazilian Championship, will look to continue to make history, together, with the VCARB Team for the 2025 F1 Academy season.
Ferreira, hailing from Santa Catarina, Brazil has competed in national karting championships in her home country. She was the first woman to score pole position in the Copa Brasil de Kart in 2022 and finished fourth in the championship.
In 2023, Ferreira joined the F4 Brazilian Championship, securing a podium at the final event at Interlagos Circuit, on the same weekend as the Formula One race.
During her second season this year, Ferreira has become a serial podium finisher, clocking up seven podiums, including two wins, to date.
Commenting on the announcement, Ferreira added: "I’m extremely happy to be driving for the Visa Cash App RB Academy Programme in F1 Academy in 2025.
"This opportunity represents a big step in my career, and is a dream come true to work with a Team that has so much talent. I’m determined to give my best and go after great results. It’ll be something new for me, but I’m confident that we will achieve a lot together. I’m already preparing and am excited for next year!"
RB team boss Laurent Mekies noted: "Everyone at the Team is hugely excited to welcome Rafaela to the VCARB family. Rafaela is an exceptional emerging Brazilian talent, and we’re pleased to share this global, and empowering, platform to compete, race, and grow together.
"F1 Academy has been a great success this season, the exposure that it’s generated for women’s motorsport is revolutionary. I hope we can continue to inspire the next generation of female talent in motorsports, and we look forward to seeing Rafaela grow and flourish as a driver.
"The Team would also like to thank Amna for her commitment across the season, we look forward to watching her progress and wish her the best of luck in the next phase of her career.”
Speaking of the announcement, Manager of the Red Bull Academy programme Sarah harrington noted: "We’ve been impressed by Rafaela’s performance this season and are very pleased to welcome her to the Team and work with her in F1 Academy in 2025.
"Rafaela has great talent and potential and has already cemented herself as a race winner in Brazil. I’m looking forward to supporting her development and am excited to see what next season brings.”
