British driver Abbi Pulling, who was recently celebrated as the F1 Academy champion, now faces the unexpected challenge of securing her title once more.
Initially declared the victor after amassing an 83-point lead with only 82 points available following the cancellation of the second race in Qatar, Pulling’s championship status was altered when organisers added race to the upcoming Abu Dhabi event. This adjustment increases the total available points to 84, leaving Pulling just one point shy of clinching the title definitively.
The F1 Academy, designed to promote female talent in motorsport, has seen Pulling, representing Alpine, deliver a series of outstanding performances throughout the season. However, this unforeseen schedule change means she must reaffirm her dominance in Abu Dhabi to secure the championship officially.
Organisers have confirmed that each pole position in the three Abu Dhabi races will award two points. Notably, Mercedes’ Doriane Pin, Pulling’s closest competitor, retains the two points she earned for pole position in the cancelled Qatar race, maintaining her position as a formidable contender.
The F1 Academy is a crucial platform within the Formula One support programme, aiming to elevate female racers through the motorsport ranks. The last woman to participate in a Formula One Grand Prix was Italy’s Lella Lombardi in 1976, underscoring the importance of initiatives like the F1 Academy in bridging this longstanding gap.
As the season approaches its climax, all eyes will be on Abu Dhabi to see if Pulling can reaffirm her status and officially claim the F1 Academy title.
