F1 Academy returned to action at the Zandvoort circuit for Round 4 of the 2024 season, following a two-month hiatus. The qualifying session, which determines the grid for both races this weekend, took place in challenging mixed weather conditions, resulting in a competitive and unpredictable outcome.
Championship leader Abbi Pulling secured pole position for Race 1, while her closest rival Doriane Pin claimed pole for Race 2. The 30-minute session began on a wet track, with all 16 drivers, including wild card entry Nina Gademan, opting for wet tires.
As the session progressed, the track began to dry, leading to steadily improving lap times. Aurelia Nobels led the pack out onto the track, while Chloe Chambers chose to stay in the pit lane initially, being one of the last drivers to join the session.
The early stages saw several drivers briefly hold the top positions. Jessica Edgar and Lia Block momentarily occupied the top two spots before Maya Weug set the early pace with a 1:48.842. However, it was Pulling who soon asserted her dominance, becoming the first driver to break into the 1:47s. She eventually posted a time of 1:46.746, which would secure her pole position for Race 1.
The changing conditions presented numerous challenges for the drivers. Amna Al Qubaisi experienced a spin in her Visa Cash App RB-liveried car early in the session, bringing out a brief yellow flag. Chloe Chambers also spun in a similar location later in the session. Bianca Bustamante had a close call with the wall on a banked corner, narrowly avoiding contact.
Midway through the session, some drivers, including Tina Hausman and Hamda Al Qubaisi, opted to return to the pits to reassess their strategy. The changing track conditions added complexity to the teams’ decision-making, as they had to choose between staying out on worn wet tires or coming in for fresh rubber.
Pulling faced an additional challenge when she reported radio issues, prompting her team to call her in to address the problem. This setback would prove crucial in the closing stages of the session.
With just over 6 minutes remaining, a red flag was brought out when Bianca Bustamante, who had just changed to a new set of wet tires, made contact with the wall, damaging her front wing. At this point, the top five consisted of Pulling, Pin, Gademan, Block, and Weug.
Red Flag 🚩
— F1 Academy (@f1academy) August 24, 2024
Bianca is out of the car and okay #F1Academy #DutchGP pic.twitter.com/UBJL7nHDqJ
Upon restart, drivers had limited time to improve their positions. Track position became crucial, with Pulling finding herself behind several cars as the session resumed. The final minutes saw frantic activity on the track as drivers pushed to improve their times.
Pin mounted a strong challenge in the closing moments, narrowing the gap to Pulling to just 0.1 seconds. While unable to surpass Pulling’s time for Race 1, Pin’s efforts secured her pole position for Race 2.
Notable performances include wild card entry Nina Gademan, who secured an impressive sixth place in her F1 Academy debut. Hamda Al Qubaisi was noted for a potential red flag infringement, which was under investigation post-session.
The mixed conditions and close times throughout the field suggest that both races at Zandvoort will be highly competitive. Pulling, who currently leads the championship by 66 points, will aim to extend her lead from pole in Race 1. She has won all but two races this year, demonstrating her dominance in the series.
Pin, currently tied for second in the standings with Chloe Chambers at 81 points, has an opportunity to close the gap starting from pole in Race 2. The battle between these top drivers will be crucial in shaping the championship as the season progresses.
