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The second edition of the F4 CEZ Academy, a program designed to prepare young drivers for a career in motorsport, has successfully wrapped up its initial four days of intensive training. The top-ranked participant was Stefan Treneski from North Macedonia, but the competition is far from over.
Interest in the academy was high, with ambitious young racers undergoing a variety of disciplines essential for motorsport careers. Thirteen drivers took part: Linda Frey, Oliver Gmuca, Lukáš Houlík, František Němec, Christopher Oslanec, Adéla Průšová, Karolína Průšová, Richard Sopuch, Marek Strach, Oliver Šteiner, Stefan Treneski, Daniel Vacl, and Vojtěch Vacl. They were divided into two groups led by Jana Adámková and Aleš Sirný, assisted by professional racers Adam Kout and Petr Semerád.
The first day of competition took place at the CMKarting track in Prague. After practice and qualifying sessions, Lukáš Houlík won the final karting race. However, the day wasn’t just about karting; participants also engaged in various exercises to develop essential skills.
Physical preparation was overseen by Jindřiška Fialová, while media training, including practice interviews on camera, was led by Martin Knápek and Helena Chovancová. Lectures and simulator training using RaceGear equipment were conducted by Martin Sirotek along with Czech sim racing champion Martin Kadlečík.
Mental preparation is also crucial in motorsport. Mental coach Hana Čurdová provided guidance and techniques to help drivers maintain composure under pressure and approach races with a clear mindset.
The following three days of the academy took place at the Autodrom Most, where participants continued their training, gradually progressing toward Formula 4 driving. Simulator sessions with Racingfuel Simulators were held under the guidance of F4 racers Max Karhan and Marek Mičík. Participants also tackled autoslalom exercises in Renault Twingo racing cars and completed theoretical instruction on circuit racing, concluding with a final test for their racing licenses.
The highlight of the four-day academy session was driving on the race circuit, first in Renault Twingo cars led by instructors Adam Kout and Petr Semerád, then finally experiencing 25-minute stints behind the wheel of a Tatuus F4-T421 Formula 4 car.
Stefan Treneski emerged as the overall winner of the intensive four-day training and earned a 50% discount on a full-season entry in the 2026 F4 CEZ championship.
However, the academy continues for eight finalists. Stefan Treneski, Oliver Gmuca, Marek Strach and Oliver Šteiner will compete in the Twingo Cup race at Slovakia Ring (June 6–8), while Linda Frey, Lukáš Houlík, Karolína Průšová, and Richard Sopuch will race at Most (July 25–27). Each group’s winner will get the opportunity to test a Formula 4 car, and the best finalist overall will participate in the F4 CEZ race in Brno (September 5–7).
The project is organized by the F4 CEZ Academy club under the Czech Automobile Club (AČR), in collaboration with Racingfuel Simulators, Lukamotorsport, Autoklub ČR, Autodrom Most and CMKarting.
Stefan Treneski, Winner:
“I’m extremely happy and grateful for the opportunity the F4 Academy provided. The strong competition pushed me to my limits. Driving a Formula 4 car in the finals fulfilled a dream I’ve had since childhood. It was fantastic to explore the car technically and learn how to work with its setup. When I first hit the track, I thought it was similar to the simulator—but then I felt the speed. It was like someone kicked the car from behind. It was an emotional moment.”
Adam Kout, Racer and Instructor:
“Throughout the four days, there was an incredibly friendly atmosphere. Participants supported each other and shared valuable insights from all activities. The chance to drive a current-spec Formula 4 car was the icing on the cake, and it clearly made a profound impression on everyone involved.”
Josef Křenek, Organizer:
“I’m delighted that the second edition of the F4 CEZ Academy was such a success. We were pleasantly surprised by the high level of interest, professionalism and commitment shown by the participants, as well as the support from their parents. I firmly believe this experience will help young talents advance their motorsport careers. My sincere thanks go to the entire organizing team for their outstanding work.”
