McLaren F1 Academy Selects Two >= More than Equal Drivers for 2026 F1 Academy Rookie Test

The selection marks another significant milestone for More than Equal's Driver Development Programme and reflects the continued progression of two of the programme's leading Formula 4 drivers as they continue their development within international single-seater racing.

The opportunity has been made possible through Allwyn, an Official Partner of McLaren Racing and More than Equal's founding partner, which has exercised its pass-through rights to create additional driver development opportunities with McLaren. The Rookie Test represents the latest step in that collaboration, giving Danielsson and Florescu Potolea valuable experience working alongside an F1 Academy team in one of the championship's most important evaluation events.

The selection follows an assessment process conducted by Rodin Motorsport, during which Danielsson and Florescu Potolea were evaluated alongside other prospective Rookie Test drivers before being chosen to represent McLaren F1 Academy.

The announcement comes after an important weekend for More than Equal, with Florescu set to make her F1 Academy debut as the Wildcard entry at Zandvoort before joining Danielsson at the Rookie Test in September. Together, the two opportunities represent another step in More than Equal's long-term mission to prepare talented female drivers for the highest levels of motorsport.

Tom Stanton, Chief Executive Officer at More than Equal, said: "Creating opportunities like this has always been one of the ambitions behind our collaboration with McLaren through Allwyn. Having two of our drivers selected for the F1 Academy Rookie Test is a fantastic endorsement of the work Alexia and Zoe have put in, alongside our coaching and performance team.

"Experiences like this are invaluable. They allow our drivers to learn within a professional F1 Academy environment, work closely with engineers and continue building the experience needed to compete at the highest level of junior single-seater racing."

Warren Hughes, Head of Driver Development Programme, McLaren Racing added: "We're pleased to welcome Alexia and Zoe to the team for this year's F1 Academy Rookie Test. Both drivers have demonstrated strong potential through the More than Equal programme, and the Rookie Test provides an excellent opportunity for them to experience the F1 Academy environment while allowing us to support the continued development of emerging female racing talent."

Zoe Florescu, More than Equal driver, said: "To be selected by McLaren for the Rookie Test is an incredible opportunity. This weekend's Wildcard appearance at Zandvoort is already a huge moment in my career, and knowing I'll have the chance to continue learning with McLaren afterwards makes it even more special. Every opportunity to work in this environment helps me develop as a driver."

Alexia Danielsson, More than Equal driver, added: “Being selected for the More than Equal programme was an important step in my development, so to now be chosen by McLaren and Rodin for the F1 Academy Rookie Test is something I’m incredibly proud of. It shows the opportunities that can come from being part of the programme, and I’m excited to use the experience to keep learning, developing and demonstrating my potential.”

The F1 Academy Rookie Test will take place in September, with Danielsson and Florescu becoming the latest More than Equal drivers to benefit from the opportunities created through Allwyn's pass-through partnership with McLaren as they continue their progression through the junior single-seater pathway. 

Founded by the businessman, entrepreneur and philanthropist Karel Komárek and former F1 driver David Coulthard, More than Equal is dedicated to finding and developing the first female Formula 1 World Champion.