In a thrilling development for Dutch motorsport enthusiasts, Esmee Kosterman has been awarded a wild card entry to the forthcoming F1 Academy round at Zandvoort – an event that’s certain to electrify the crowd at the iconic seaside circuit. The promising young driver will be joining the grid with backing from TeamViewer, tying the worlds of performance technology and women’s motorsport in an exciting new partnership. For home fans and aspiring female racers, this presents more than just another race; it’s a significant step forward in the visibility and influence of women in motorsport within the Netherlands.
Kosterman, already a standout on the domestic racing circuit, grabs this headline opportunity as F1’s all-female championship touches down in the Netherlands for the first time. Her wild card seat not only rewards her on-track prowess but also highlights the championship’s commitment to unearthing and nurturing local talent wherever it travels. The 19-year-old isn’t a complete stranger to Zandvoort, having competed on the circuit in various junior series. This invaluable home experience could give her an edge as she goes wheel-to-wheel with some of the most talented female drivers from around the globe.
TeamViewer’s name is no stranger to the high-adrenaline environment of Formula 1, having been a prominent technology partner of the Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team. By sponsoring Kosterman’s entry, TeamViewer emphasizes its dedication to promoting diversity and technological innovation – both on and off the racetrack. Their involvement signals a broader shift seen in recent years: traditional F1 partners now increasingly invest in broadening the sport’s appeal and accessibility beyond its conventional borders.
The F1 Academy, launched in 2023 under the guidance of Formula 1, is a forward-thinking all-female single-seater series designed to create new pathways for talented women in motorsport. The championship features established feeder series outfits and has already produced several breakout stars. Zandvoort’s inclusion on the 2024 calendar marks a convergence between Dutch motorsport tradition and the growing international movement for gender diversity in racing.
The addition of a wild card local driver gives the upcoming round immense national significance. Kosterman’s participation will not only be cheered by a passionate home crowd but also serve as inspiration for the next generation of young Dutch girls dreaming of one day exchanging karts and sim-rigs for real race seats. As the event approaches, all eyes will be on her performance: can her familiarity with Zandvoort’s fast sweepers and technical hairpins bring a surprise result against the series’ established leaders?
Her own journey to this point reflects the realities of grassroots motorsport: a heady mix of talent, determination, and family support. The step up to an international platform like F1 Academy, especially on home soil, is both a reward for past efforts and a pressure-cooker environment for personal growth. Dutch Formula 1 fans, long known for their orange-clad loyalty and deep motorsport culture, are expected to turn out in large numbers and make Zandvoort’s grandstands a cauldron of support.
This wild card entry, carefully orchestrated with support from TeamViewer, shines a spotlight on both the F1 Academy’s mission and the Netherlands' robust enthusiasm for racing. Kosterman’s drive at Zandvoort will be more than just another chapter in her own career; it represents a tangible endorsement of the idea that Formula 1 – and all of motorsport – is ready to accelerate gender parity and inspire a broader, more inclusive future.
As excitement builds for the race, fans across the country—and beyond—recognize that this moment is not just about chasing lap times. It’s about carving out space for new stories, new heroes, and an ever-widening grid of motorsport dreamers.
