Abbi Pulling is celebrating her second place on the podium in Jeddah. She returned for her second season in the F1 Academy and is excited about her future ambitions with the academy. The first season was a success, with Marta Garcia becoming the champion and securing a fully funded spot in FRECA for 2024. This season, Pulling is determined to win races and has already secured a victory. In Race 2, she inherited the win after Doriane Pin received a penalty. Pulling is thrilled with her performance and is focused on leading the championship. She admits that she has put pressure on herself in the past, but aims to enjoy the season and improve her performance.
The F1 Academy returns with a much larger scale than its inaugural season, now featured on the Formula 1 support, attracting the attention of millions.
“This season is definitely different from the last. There are more people watching, lots of stats and conversations. Last year, we had standalone races with just a few spectators. It’s refreshing to see the change in the paddock, being right in front of the fan zone where everyone wants to take photos,” she expressed.
Continuing her second year in the F1 Academy with Rodin Motorsport, Pulling shared that it has become part of her close-knit community.
“They are a highly intelligent group and I have gained a lot of knowledge from them. They have shared their extensive experience with me, which has greatly improved my skills as a driver. I have been eagerly awaiting the opportunity to race again, since COTA last year.”
Unlike Formula 1, the F1 Academy imposes a two-year limit on its drivers, with an age requirement between 16 and 25.
Entering her second season in the series, Pulling has a lot to consider regarding her next steps.
“My intention was never to stay in this championship indefinitely. My goal is to reach Formula 1, but even competing in Formula 3 would be an absolute dream. There are countless potential paths to explore and you never know where you might end up. Nothing is set in stone yet, but I hope that my performance on the track secures a promising opportunity for next year.”
Securing a victory in a race is an achievement in itself, but on a challenging track like Jeddah, it becomes even greater.
Pulling explained: “When racing on a track like Jeddah, there is absolutely no room for errors. The margins are extremely narrow and you learn a lot on this circuit. It feels like you’re driving through a tunnel.”
During the race weekend in Jeddah, half of the F1 Academy grid received penalties for exceeding track limits or going off track, making the first race of the season a surprising experience.
“Although Jeddah is a street circuit, the cars don’t race on it all year round,” noted Pulling. “I have always expressed my desire to race on this track for the rest of my life. It’s incredibly fun. The high risk, high reward aspect is significant.”
She also mentioned Singapore as the track she is most excited about, stating: “It’s a street circuit, but it doesn’t quite fit the typical definition. The track is incredibly bumpy, not specifically designed for racing, and tends to be quite slippery.”
This season, all Formula 1 teams are required to select a driver from the F1 Academy and display their livery on the car to raise awareness about the women-exclusive development series.
For Abbi Pulling, this is not a new experience. The 20-year-old British driver joined the Alpine Academy in 2023 after a promising season in 2022 in the W Series.
Entering the inaugural grid of the F1 Academy as a Junior Driver had its advantages. Pulling achieved seven podiums in the 2023 season.
“It was certainly beneficial to be part of the Alpine Academy for a few years. Now I am used to the pressure. They supported me a lot as I moved up the ranks and I hope to keep improving. It really feels like a family, they are friendly and supportive, and it’s advantageous to be on the track together.
“Maybe some of the newcomers are feeling more pressure, as they are just starting to be associated with the team. It’s a significant role. We all strive to win and now that there is more attention on us, everyone is more competitive.”
The F1 Academy was created to promote the presence of female drivers in motorsport. Its return for a second season on a larger scale sets it apart from other female racing series like the W Series, which ceased operations due to lack of support.
Pulling remains hopeful that the F1 Academy will have a successful future. “It has the right people supporting it,” she said. “I believe it has a lasting future ahead. I hope that in the coming years the series will produce a full Formula 1 driver. If it’s not me, then I hope it’s one of the girls I’m competing with.
“There are so many opportunities now. I often wish I was eight years old again. Before, I was winning championships, but I didn’t know much about the next step. Women make up only 1% of license holders and, with only 20 Formula 1 drivers, it’s natural for those spots to be filled by men if they represent the majority.”
The young British driver will face a significant challenge to maintain her lead in the next race in Miami on the first weekend of May.
With talented drivers like Abbi Pulling being part of the F1 Academy grid, there is no doubt that some of them deserve their places as women in motorsport.
© 2024
Soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo surprised everyone with his last move in yesterday’s game. The Portuguese player scored an incredible goal at the 90th minute of the second half, securing the victory for his team. Ronaldo once again showed why he is considered one of the best players in the world.
The match started with both teams looking for the goal from the beginning. The opposing team opened the scoring early in the first half, but Ronaldo did not let himself be discouraged and continued to fight. With his skill and determination, he managed to equalize the game in the second half, sending the fans into a frenzy.
However, it was in the final minutes that Ronaldo showed his genius. With a powerful shot from outside the box, he hit the goal angle, leaving the opposing goalkeeper with no chance of defense. It was a magical and exciting moment for all soccer fans.
After the goal, Ronaldo celebrated with his teammates and received the applause of the fans. His exceptional performance was recognized by all, and he was elected the best player of the match. The soccer star continues to surprise and delight fans with his incredible plays.
Yesterday’s victory puts Ronaldo’s team in a favorable position in the championship. With this result, they are getting closer to the title and increasing their chances of winning the trophy. The fans are excited and confident that Ronaldo and his team will continue to shine in the upcoming games.
In summary, Cristiano Ronaldo once again showed why he is considered one of the best players in the world. His incredible goal in the last game left everyone impressed and secured the victory for his team. With his skill and genius, Ronaldo continues to delight fans and win titles. The football star is a true living legend of the sport.
