F1 Academy’s second season is off to an exciting start, with the recent race weekend at the 2024 Miami Grand Prix showcasing some standout drivers. Abbi Pulling, driving for Rodin Motorsport and supported by Alpine, dominated both 13-lap races at the Miami Autodrome, securing first place. This weekend marked the only U.S. race for F1 Academy this year, as the series will travel to different tracks across the globe for the remaining six racing weekends.
F1 Academy, a series launched and supported by Formula 1, aims to prepare and develop women drivers for higher-level racing, potentially including Formula 1 itself. The champion of the 2023 season, Marta Garcia, has already progressed to the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine and will also participate in a Formula E rookie test. By following Formula 1 around the world for seven of the 24 race weekends, F1 Academy provides its drivers with unprecedented exposure to tracks and fans.
Abbi Pulling expressed her excitement about racing in front of Formula 1 fans, highlighting the energy and support she receives from the crowd. She believes the exposure from racing alongside Formula 1 elevates women’s sports and motivates her to continue pushing harder. The unique aspect of F1 Academy is that it not only provides a development platform for aspiring women drivers but also replicates the post-race ceremonies and fan interactions of Formula 1, creating an immersive experience for both drivers and spectators alike.
Chloe Chambers, the sole American representative in an open-wheel car on the podium, delivered an impressive performance with a third-place finish in her Haas-liveried car. Although Logan Sargeant, the only American driver in Formula 1, had his race cut short due to a collision, Chambers showcased her talent in front of a home crowd.
Another driver to watch is Bianca Bustamente from McLaren, who overcame a difficult start in her first race to finish in ninth place. In the second race, she successfully held off a fast competitor to secure second place. At just 19 years old, Bustamente is already being hailed as a potential star in the making.
Despite the thrilling races and impressive performances, there were some unsavory incidents. Local commentators at the track made sexist remarks during the F1 Academy race, drawing criticism from spectators and media outlets. Race organizers swiftly addressed the issue, issuing a statement condemning the inappropriate commentary and affirming their commitment to supporting F1 Academy’s mission of increasing diversity and representation in motorsport.
While this incident was unfortunate, it shouldn’t overshadow the positive aspects of F1 Academy. The series provides an opportunity for talented women drivers to showcase their skills in a highly competitive environment. The races are intense and feature plenty of overtaking maneuvers, creating a spectacle for fans. Abbi Pulling, with her dominant performances, is quickly establishing herself as a potential championship contender.
Fans can catch the F1 Academy races through live streaming on F1TV. The series will now head to Barcelona for the June 21-23 Formula 1 race weekend, where more thrilling action and emerging talent await.