Haas Formula 1 driver Esteban Ocon has expressed his support for Lisa Billard, the 16-year-old who has earned a wild card spot for this weekend’s F1 Academy round in Singapore. Billard’s entry into the race marks her as the youngest wild card competitor in the all-female racing series, which announced her participation on October 1.
Billard will compete representing Gatorade, and Ocon’s encouragement carries special meaning, as both drivers share roots in karting at the same tracks in Normandy, France.
A Shared Karting Past Connects Ocon and Billard
Ocon highlighted their shared history on social media, emphasizing his long-term support for Billard’s career. He stated,
“I’ve known and have supported Lisa for many years now,”
and added,
“We both grew up on the same karting tracks in Normandy. I am very proud to see her taking this big step in her young career with @f1academy this weekend! Allez Lisa!!”
This connection underlines the close-knit nature of the French racing community and showcases Ocon’s genuine interest in Billard’s progression toward higher racing disciplines.
Billard’s Rapid Rise Through Karting and F1 Academy
Billard’s racing journey began at the age of seven with karting, progressing quickly to national competitions. In 2022, she made history by becoming the first female to win a French Junior Karting Championship race and secured fifth place overall that season. Her talent and determination earned her a spot with the Alpine F1 team’s Rac(H)er development program the following year.
Reflecting on the importance of sponsorship and training, Billard explained the critical support she receives, stating,
“In terms of communication, it’s a major advantage for me to be able to find sponsors in order to continue,”
and described the training she undergoes:
“…I’m going to go to Enstone to do some training sessions at the academy – sports training but also media training. What they want is to prepare us as well as possible for the car.”
Mentorship and Early Experiences in F1 Academy
Billard noted her collaboration with fellow Alpine-backed driver and 2024 F1 Academy champion Abbi Pulling, who provided guidance during her initial training. She recalled,
“When I went to Enstone for the first training session, so that they could introduce us to the programme, she told me a bit about her experience and then gave me some advice.”
Billard also shared insights on her relationship with Esteban Ocon, explaining their mutual connections:
“We started out with the same people, in the same place and so on. In fact, Esteban got his start with my coach, Didier Blot, with whom I am currently working. I had already heard a lot about him from Didier, so I knew a bit about his background.”
She added,
“When I met him, Didier had mentioned me to him, which means that he already knew a little bit about me. I met him at the presentation of the new F1 car and then I saw him again in Anneville-Ambourville, because he came to do some karting – it’s also where he first started.”
Progress Beyond Karting and Preparation for the Future
Alongside her involvement with the French F1 team family, Billard achieved a third-place finish in the French Junior Karting Championship. In 2023, she also participated in Formula 4 testing, signaling her continuing advancement through the ranks of motorsport.
F1 Academy and Gatorade Partnership Highlights Billard’s Growth
Karin Fink, head of commercial operations at F1 Academy, commented on the significance of Billard’s wild card entry and the ongoing partnership with Gatorade:
“It’s fantastic to see our youngest ever F1 ACADEMY Wild Card driver benefiting from our partnership with Gatorade in Singapore.”
Fink highlighted the benefits this collaboration delivers to young drivers, saying,
“Our collaboration continues to set new standards in the sport, bringing their sports science expertise directly to the next generation of emerging female talent, and offering invaluable tools and knowledge that will benefit the drivers throughout their careers.”
Looking Ahead: Billard’s Role in F1’s Emerging Female Talent
Billard’s participation in the Singapore round represents a significant milestone for both her and the F1 Academy, underlining increasing opportunities for female drivers in motorsport. Supported by champions like Esteban Ocon and equipped with strong backing from sponsors and development programs, she stands as a promising talent to watch in coming seasons.
The integration of young drivers like Billard into high-profile events signals a hopeful future for diversity and growth in Formula 1 and its affiliated series, highlighting the sport’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of racers.
