Mumbai: F1 ACADEMY and SEPHORA have announced a new global partnership ahead of the 2026 racing season, naming the beauty retailer as an Official Partner and Official Beauty Retail Partner of the all-female racing series.
The collaboration reflects a shared ambition between the two organisations to elevate and support female talent on the global stage, while encouraging young women to pursue their ambitions and express their individuality with confidence.
With operations across 35 global markets and more than 80 million active members, SEPHORA will bring its signature brand experience to fans through immersive glam bars and fan activations at select races throughout the season. The partnership also extends to the premium hospitality experience at F1 Paddock Club, where SEPHORA’s Glam Bars will be available to guests at 18 Grands Prix during the 2026 season, enhancing the overall race-weekend experience.
As part of the collaboration, SEPHORA will also sponsor a new end-of-year drivers’ celebration, recognising performance and progress throughout the season. The initiative marks the first event of its kind for the series and underscores the brand’s focus on collective achievement and celebration.
The partnership also includes support for Spanish driver Natalia Granada, who joins the 2026 F1 ACADEMY grid for her rookie season. Granada will compete in the ‘SEPHORA operated by PREMA’ car, featuring a livery inspired by the brand’s signature black-and-white stripes with bold red accents. The team is run by PREMA Racing.
Granada completes the full-time driver line-up for the 2026 F1 ACADEMY season, which begins this week in Shanghai, supporting the Formula 1 Heineken Chinese Grand Prix. Having impressed during the inaugural F1 ACADEMY rookie test in 2025, her promotion to a full-time seat marks another step in her development and highlights the growing pathway for emerging female drivers.
Susie Wolff, Managing Director of F1 ACADEMY, added, “SEPHORA is an iconic global brand with a passionate community across markets worldwide, championing individuality and confidence. Joining forces with them is incredibly powerful. This partnership goes far beyond beauty; together, we are challenging outdated stereotypes and redefining who and what belongs in motorsport.”
Emily Prazer, Chief Commercial Officer of Formula One, said, “We are delighted to add SEPHORA as a Partner for both F1 ACADEMY and F1 Paddock Club. They are a brand that authentically speaks to a diverse audience, challenges perceptions and unites people all around the world. By integrating their glam bars into the Paddock Club, we will enhance the overall hospitality experience and continue to set new standards for guest engagement.”
Deborah Yeh, Global Chief Marketing Officer of SEPHORA, commented, “We are thrilled to become the Official Beauty Retail Partner of F1 ACADEMY, supporting their commitment to women’s empowerment worldwide. This collaboration will give us an incredible opportunity to engage with audiences from Shanghai to Austin, bringing our unique brand experience to fans while supporting the dreams of these athletes. We look forward to celebrating the synergy between sports and beauty and continuing to champion our shared values throughout the various races.”
Natalia Granada, driver for SEPHORA, said, “I am very eager to start the 2026 F1 ACADEMY season with SEPHORA. It is a great privilege to partner with them, and being part of their first global sponsorship is an honour. Beauty and sport might seem like different worlds, but both celebrate confidence and expression. Support like this is incredibly important for female drivers, and it’s empowering to have a brand that truly believes in our ambitions. I’m really looking forward to what we can achieve together this year.”
