Following Maya Weug's recent move to Formula 4, Richard Mille is pleased to announce the selection of Ukrainian-born Swiss young talent Ekaterina Luescher to the "Richard Mille Young Talent Academy" for the 2021 season.

During the last two seasons under the colours of the Richard Mille Young Talent Academy, Maya Weug has been able to develop her talent and prepare for her transition to single-seater racing. She is now part of the Ferrari Driver Academy, a historic first for a woman, and is preparing to compete in her first season in Formula 4 in the best possible circumstances.

14-year-old Ekaterina Luescher will follow in Maya Weug's footsteps by joining the Birel ART Racing Team in the Junior category this year. She has been a Junior karting driver since 2019 and last year she became Swiss vice-champion.

"Ekaterina really convinced us with her enthusiasm and passion for racing", said Amanda Mille. "She has an engaging, dynamic and well-structured personality. She communicates very well and we are convinced that she will embody the spirit of the Richard Mille Young Talent Academy on the international karting circuits this season.”

"We are delighted to continue training young female drivers from the Richard Mille Young Talent Academy within our Racing Team", said Ronni Sala, President of the Birel ART Group, "The very positive experience we have had with Maya Weug over the last two seasons has confirmed that experience of high-level karting in an official team such as ours bears fruit at the start of a career in motorsport. Ekaterina is already very mature for her age and her motivation is obvious. We are confident in her potential for progression and we will do our utmost to support her as best we can with the support of Richard Mille."

Ekaterina Luescher
- Born on 11th January 2007
- Nationalities: Swiss, Ukrainian, Italian
- 2012-2014: First karting training in Puffo
- 2015-2017: First competitions in the Swiss Championship and Vega Trophy
- 2018: Swiss SuperMini runner-up
- 2019: First year in OK-Junior, Swiss Championship and DKM
- 2020: Increased international participation, Swiss OK-Junior runner-up

2021 Programme with the Birel ART Racing Team in OK-Junior
- In addition to training with the team, Ekaterina will participate in the FIA Karting European and World Championships, the WSK Super Master and Open Cup, as well as the Champions of the Future by RGMMC series.

Press Release © Richard Mille