F1 Academy’s debut season on the Formula 1 support bill started in Jeddah with a clear favorite established and a post-race controversy that has caused a disruption in the title fight.
With all 10 F1 teams now involved and both races and qualifying live-streamed for free on YouTube and X, the focus on F1’s all-female feeder series has never been greater.
Here are our main takeaways from the opening round on the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix undercard:
Mercedes protege Doriane Pin was the standout performer of the weekend, dominating both races despite intense pressure from Alpine junior Abbi Pulling.
Pin seemed to secure consecutive victories on Saturday when she crossed the finish line ahead of Pulling in race two. However, she continued driving at full speed on the cooldown lap, unaware that the race had ended. It was only after passing the chequered flag twice that she realized the race was over.
The stewards penalized Pin for her actions, giving her a 20-second time penalty that dropped her from first to ninth place.
Despite the controversy, Pin’s performance throughout the weekend showcased her talent and potential. She topped every on-track session and demonstrated her comfort and skill in the series, despite it being her first full-time season.
Abbi Pulling, who finished second behind Pin in both races, was promoted to the winner of race two due to Pin’s penalty. Pulling proved herself as a worthy competitor and deserved the victory, having shown strong pace in previous championships.
Pulling’s performance in Jeddah was one of her most complete weekends to date, and she proved to be Pin’s closest rival. However, she will need to find consistency throughout the season to challenge for the title.
Maya Weug, currently in second place in the standings due to Pin’s penalty, showed promise in Jeddah but didn’t pose a serious threat to Pin or Pulling. Weug’s experience on European tracks may benefit her later in the season.
Nerea Marti, who finished fourth in the series last year, demonstrated strong pace in Jeddah but was involved in an incident that cost her a higher position. Marti will need to make further progress to become a title contender.
Hamda Al Qubaisi, who finished ahead of Marti and Pulling last year, had a more challenging weekend in Jeddah. Al Qubaisi’s qualifying position compromised her results, but her form is expected to improve as the season progresses.
Bianca Bustamante had a solid weekend, finishing as the best of the rest behind Pulling, Weug, and Pin. However, all drivers will need to improve their performance to challenge the top two.
The opening round in Jeddah proved to be eventful, with incidents and errors throughout the field. The pressure of the F1 paddock and increased broadcast audience will require drivers to minimize mistakes.
The inclusion of F1 liveries and the presence of F1 teams added to the authenticity of F1 Academy. Streaming the races for free on YouTube and X was a smart move that provided the series with the exposure it deserves.
Overall, F1 Academy’s debut on the F1 support bill has started positively, with a new star emerging and promising viewership figures.