Season one of the F1 Academy’s support of Formula 1 kicked off in Jeddah with a clear favorite established and a post-race controversy that caused a disruption in the title race.
With all 10 F1 teams now involved and both races and qualifying streamed live and for free on YouTube and X, the focus on the exclusively female F1 feeder series has never been greater.
Here are our key takeaways from the first round at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix:
Mercedes protege Doriane Pin was the standout of the weekend, dominating both races despite intense pressure from Alpine junior driver Abbi Pulling.
Pin looked set for back-to-back wins on Saturday as she crossed the finish line ahead of Pulling in the second race. However, she continued to drive at high speed on the slowing down lap, unaware that the race had ended. It was only after passing the checkered 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 over the weekend showcased her talent and potential. She led all sessions on track and demonstrated her skill and comfort in the series, despite it being her first full-time season.
Abbi Pulling, who finished second behind Pin in both races, was promoted to winner of the second race due to Pin’s penalty. Pulling proved to be a worthy competitor and deserved the win, showing strong pace in previous championships.
The performance of Pulling in Jeddah was one of her most complete weekends to date, and she proved to be the closest rival to Pin. 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 did not 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, showed strong pace in Jeddah, but was involved in an incident that cost her a higher position. Marti will need to progress further 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 it is expected that her form will improve as the season progresses.
Bianca Bustamante had a solid weekend, finishing as the best among the other drivers, behind Pulling, Weug, and Pin. However, all drivers will need to improve their performance to challenge the top two.
The first round in Jeddah proved to be eventful, with incidents and mistakes throughout the field. The pressure from the F1 paddock and the increasing viewership of the broadcasts will require the drivers to minimize errors.
The inclusion of F1 car liveries and the presence of F1 teams added authenticity to the F1 Academy. Broadcasting the races for free on YouTube and X was a smart move that provided the series with the exposure it deserves.
Overall, the debut of the F1 Academy in support of F1 started positively, with a new star emerging and promising audience numbers.
© 2024
A new era has begun in the world of sports! Big changes are happening and everything indicates that we will have an exciting season ahead. Let’s check out the latest news and updates from the sports world.
In soccer, the Flamengo team is crushing it. With a flawless performance, they secured another victory in the championship. Player Gabriel Barbosa, known as Gabigol, was the highlight of the match, scoring two goals and ensuring the victory for the Rio de Janeiro team.
In basketball, the Los Angeles Lakers continue to dominate the league. With LeBron James and Anthony Davis in great form, they are unbeatable. The team faced the Boston Celtics in an exciting game, which ended with the Lakers winning by just two points.
In tennis, Swiss player Roger Federer is back on the courts. After a long break due to a knee injury, Federer showed that he still has a lot to offer. He won his first game after the comeback and is determined to regain his place at the top of the world rankings.
In motorsport, Lewis Hamilton remains the driver to beat. The British driver secured another victory at the Monaco Grand Prix, increasing his lead in the championship. With his skill and determination, Hamilton is getting closer and closer to becoming the greatest driver of all time.
These are just some of the exciting stories happening in the world of sports. Stay tuned for more news and updates. The season promises to be full of surprises and unforgettable moments. Don’t miss any action and follow everything closely. It’s going to be amazing!
