Abbi Pulling delivered a masterclass in the F1 Academy Qualifying session at Yas Marina Circuit, claiming pole position for all three races and sealing her 2024 F1 Academy World Championship in stunning fashion. The Rodin Motorsport driver faced stiff competition but ended the session with a commanding lap time of 1:56.081s, cementing her dominance in the series.
Pole, Points, and a Championship Secured
Pulling entered the Abu Dhabi finale needing just one point to reclaim her title after a Race 2 cancellation in Qatar added extra points to the final round. Despite the mathematical chance for Doriane Pin to challenge, Pulling’s flawless qualifying performance eliminated all doubt, locking in the championship with a resounding statement on track.
Trading Fastest Laps: Chambers and Al Qubaisi Keep Pressure On
Pulling’s rivals kept her on edge throughout the session. Chloe Chambers, backed by Haas, and Hamda Al Qubaisi, representing Red Bull, both exchanged fastest laps with Pulling in a tightly contested battle. Chambers came closest, finishing just 0.081 seconds shy of Pulling’s best time.
Al Qubaisi briefly stole the top spot with a 1:56.229s lap, only for Pulling to respond with a final effort of 1:56.081s, securing pole for all three races.
Key Qualifying Highlights
- Bianca Bustamante’s Early Pace: Bustamante (McLaren) opened with a sensational 1:56.894s, holding the top spot before the competition heated up. She eventually finished fourth, just 0.088 seconds off the leading time.
- Doriane Pin’s Struggles: Ferrari-backed Pin faced a frustrating session. An early pit delay and deleted lap times saw her languishing in 14th before a late push moved her to fifth.
- Maya Weug’s Late Surge: The Alpine Academy driver climbed to seventh late in the session, trailing Emely De Heus (sixth) and narrowly ahead of Nerea Martí (eighth).
- Lap Deletions Shake the Order: Several drivers, including Aurelia Nobels and Pin, had their lap times erased for track limit violations, impacting their grid positions.
Race 1 Grid
- Abbi Pulling (Rodin Motorsport)
- Chloe Chambers (Haas)
- Hamda Al Qubaisi (Red Bull)
- Bianca Bustamante (McLaren)
- Doriane Pin (Prema Racing)
- Emely De Heus
- Maya Weug (Ferrari)
- Nerea Martí
- Carrie Schreiner
- Lia Block
Race 2 Grid
The second-fastest times from qualifying will determine the grid: Pulling starts on pole again, followed by Chambers and Al Qubaisi in second and third, respectively.
Pulling’s Stellar Season
Pulling’s dominance in Abu Dhabi caps off an exceptional 2024 campaign, showcasing her consistency and skill under pressure. With her championship win, she further solidifies her place as one of the most promising talents in motorsport.
Looking Ahead
As Pulling celebrates her second consecutive title, attention now shifts to the triple-header finale. With rivalries reignited and plenty of action ahead, the F1 Academy series promises an electrifying conclusion at Yas Marina Circuit.
