Purchase, NY / London – 20 November 2025 — Gatorade today announced a strategic new partnership with F1 ACADEMY and 16-year-old French rookie driver Lisa Billard, marking a strong commitment to nurturing performance support for young female athletes.
Fueling the Future of Women’s Motorsport
The deal comes under Gatorade’s Fuel Tomorrow initiative, which is aimed at supporting youth participation in sport — especially among women — through science-driven hydration, nutrition, and performance resources. As part of the partnership, Gatorade will work directly with Lisa to tailor her training regimen using insights from the Gatorade Sports Science Institute (GSSI).
Performance Support, Not Just Sponsorship
Gatorade’s backing goes far beyond a logo on Lisa’s race suit or car:
- Sweat testing to understand her individual hydration profile
- Personalized hydration and nutrition plans aligned with her racing demands
- Recovery protocols to help her bounce back effectively between sessions
- A three-day performance immersion in January 2026 — Lisa will train at the GSSI lab at IMG Academy to deepen her understanding of the science behind her performance.
Lisa’s Rapid Rise
At just 16, Lisa Billard is already drawing attention in motorsport. She won the Women’s title in the 2025 French F4 Championship at Le Mans and became the first female race-winner in the French Junior Karting Championship.
She impressed during the F1 Academy rookie test and even made a wildcard appearance in the Singapore race.Her #60 car featured a special Gatorade livery during the Singapore event, acknowledging Gatorade’s 60th anniversary.
Why This Partnership Matters
- Science-led support: With GSSI’s expertise, Lisa will receive tailored performance strategies that are often only available to elite professional athletes.
- Empowering female athletes early: Research cited by Gatorade shows that many young female athletes don’t feel confident about their hydration or nutrition — this program aims to close that gap.
- Long-term vision: Gatorade is officially partnering with F1 ACADEMY through 2030, signaling a sustained commitment to developing female racing talent.
Voices from the Partnership
Lisa Billard said, “Single-seater racing pushes your body to the limit. You can lose up to 4 kg of fluid, burn huge amounts of calories, and race in extremely hot temperatures. So working with Gatorade and GSSI to understand my hydration and recovery couldn’t be more important. I’m so excited to take on my first full F1 ACADEMY season in 2026 with their support.”
Erick Scheel, President of PepsiCo Latin America Beverages, commented: “When athletes get the right resources at the right time, everything changes. By giving Lisa access to science-backed tools at this pivotal stage in her career, we’re empowering her potential and inspiring the next generation.”
Bigger Picture: Investing in Women’s Motorsport
This partnership is part of a broader collaboration: Gatorade is now an official partner of F1 ACADEMY, working to remove structural barriers and provide scientific support to all its drivers.
F1 ACADEMY managing director Susie Wolff praised the deal as more than a branding exercise — she emphasized that it brings “world-class hydration science and performance expertise directly to our paddock.”
