Speed and success: On track with F1 ACADEMY driver and Amex ambassador Nicole Havrda

For Nicole Havrda, nothing feels quite as good as speeding down the track. The 19-year-old Canadian driver got her start karting just six years ago. Now she’s getting behind the wheel to represent Amex in her debut for F1 ACADEMY, the all-female racing series designed to prep drivers for higher levels of competition.

So far, Havrda has hit the track at Shanghai and Jeddah for the 2025 season. Up next: Miami race week, which takes place May 2-4. It will be Havrda’s first time on U.S. soil in the Amex branded livery, race suit, and helmet — a celebratory moment for both her and Amex. The company is committed to supporting the next generation of women athletes and women-owned small businesses in its partnership with F1 ACADEMY. 

Ahead of the race, Havrda chatted with Amex about the highs and lows of her racing journey — and her advice for others following in her footsteps.

You first got your start in the small karting scene before moving into cars. Can you tell us a little about that transition?  
I was initially a competitive swimmer with my sights set on the Olympics before I fell in love with racing. My dad took me to an F1 race, where I realized I wanted to be in the driver’s seat. So at 10 years old, I signed up for a driver’s course and began karting, the first step in racing. I raced all around Canada, and a little bit in America, before moving to cars. 

Now, you’re the first Canadian to join F1 ACADEMY. You’re also starting your first season in partnership with Amex. What do both firsts mean to you?  
This opportunity really feels like a dream. It means so much to me because I know Amex and I can achieve something bigger together. I’m also honored to represent Canada. Since I have so much support in my home country, I want to make my fans proud.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced in the driver’s seat, and what have you learned from it?  
My challenge is not beating myself up from my mistakes. It’s hard to not dwell on things you feel you did wrong and to not look back on bad races or bad results. But I’ve been focused on moving forward and learning from my mistakes for the next time. It’s part of growing as a driver.

What’s been your most surprising race moment so far?   
Getting five podiums at Formula 3, a championship racing series in the U.S., last year, with one of them being at the iconic Indianapolis track. It was a really surreal moment.

What’s your advice for aspiring female drivers?  
You can do it. Believe in yourself and push yourself — you only have one life to live, so do the most you can to make yourself proud. No one else matters.

You kicked off the F1 ACADEMY season in Shanghai and are headed for your third race in Miami. What are you most looking forward to this season? 
During the first round, it was lovely to just meet everyone, and finally getting to drive was amazing! Getting behind the wheel pumped me up for the entire season; I’m aiming to make it my best racing year yet. But I think I’m most excited about my home race in Montreal in June. I know there will be a bunch of people cheering, and racing for the F1 ACADEMY in Canada will feel like everything’s coming full circle.