Former Ferrari engineer names drivers to tackle 'corrupt' motorsport ladder

Former Ferrari and Williams F1 engineer Rob Smedley has unveiled the new driver development programme, which hopes to tackle the "corrupted systems in motorsport."

Smedley, who has not worked in F1 since a role with FOM in 2020 after previously serving as Felipe Massa's race engineer, has spent time developing karting programmes, including an electric series, and, in conjunction with Ferdi Porsche, has now developed 'FAT Karting League.'

The programme aims to "actively tackle corrupted and failed systems in motorsport by expanding access to underrepresented kids that need it most [by building] a meritocratic F1 pipeline and democratise access by removing financial roadblocks."

A funded seat in the 2026 Formula 4 season is on offer for one driver as part of a "multi-million" project to help fund their career through the junior categories of motorsport from F4, through F3 and F2, and finally to F1.

As part of this, four young drivers have been named as finalists to participate in a series of extensive tests, to take place in the UK and Spain. 

Shea Aldrich (California, USA), Ellis McKenzie (Surrey, UK), Monde-Jnr Konini (Scotland, UK), and Jackson Wolny (Illinois, USA) will be evaluated in a series of simulator and other practical sessions as well as in media, fitness and mental aspects before heading to Spain for Tatuus F4-T421 running in qualifying and race evaluations. 

Aldrich and McKenzie automatically qualified by winning their categories in the earlier FKL world finals, with Konini and Wolny awarded wildcards.

Only one of the four will receive a fully-funded 2026 FIA British F4 seat, but all will remain under the guidance of the programme. 

"This is a historic moment for us, but more importantly, it’s a statement of intent," said Smedley.

"This has taken years of relentless work, belief and refusal to accept the status quo. Today, we are crystallising a real pathway from the FAT Karting League into single-seater racing that is based on talent, performance and capability — not on who can afford to pay their way forward. 

"For too long, motorsport has filtered out exceptional ability simply because of budget. That has to change. Talent deserves opportunity, not exclusion, and we’re proud to be building a system that finally puts ability first."