Abbi Pulling secures a record-breaking eighth win in an exciting start to the final F1 Academy weekend.
The first race of the F1 Academy’s final round for 2024 brought intense action as drivers fought for championship positions. With Abbi Pulling already crowned champion, she began the weekend on pole position for the opening race at Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit.
The race begins
After the cancellation of a race in Qatar, the F1 Academy schedule became even more challenging, with a third race added to the Abu Dhabi weekend. During qualifying, drivers had to deliver three competitive laps to set the grids for all three races. Pulling rose to the challenge, claiming pole for each race.
Although the additional race kept Doriane Pin in mathematical contention for the title, it was Pulling who established herself as the one to beat.
At the start, Chloe Chambers had an excellent launch, overtaking Pulling into Turn 1 to take the lead. Behind them, Hamda Al Qubaisi and Emely de Heus gained positions, shaking up the order early.
However, by the end of the first lap, Chambers spun while leading, handing Pulling the top spot once more. Despite her recovery efforts, Chambers rejoined the track unsafely, earning a five-second penalty. Tina Hausmann also picked up a penalty for gaining an advantage off track.
After taking Race lead, Chloe Chambers spins off in Lap 1 and is given a 5 second penalty for a unsafe rejoin!#F1Academy #AbuDhabiGP pic.twitter.com/0NbsUF0Snx
— F1 Academy (@f1academy) December 7, 2024
Mid-Race Battles
Doriane Pin showcased her determination, overtaking de Heus to move into the podium positions. Meanwhile, Bianca Bustamante put pressure on de Heus, hoping to climb higher.
Maya Weug, locked in a tight battle for second place in the championship standings, stayed in seventh for most of the race. Despite persistent efforts, she couldn’t initially find a way past Nerea Martí, who was defending fiercely in her Tommy Hilfiger-backed car.
In the midfield, Hausmann engaged in a tense battle with Lola Lovinfosse. After going wide during an overtake attempt, Hausmann allowed Lovinfosse to retake the position, but this fight brought Aurelia Nobels into the mix. Contact followed, with Hausmann and Lovinfosse coming together, and a subsequent clash involving Chambers sent Lovinfosse spinning.
Tina Hausmann receives another 10 second penalty after collision with Lola Lovinfosse! #F1Academy #AbuDhabiGP pic.twitter.com/bSmgGeLKMX
— F1 Academy (@f1academy) December 7, 2024
Hausmann was later penalised with an additional 10-second penalty for causing the collision, further complicating her race.
While chaos brewed behind, the leaders maintained focus. Weug eventually overtook Martí after an extended duel, showcasing her skill under pressure. At the same time, Pin launched an attack on Hamda Al Qubaisi, who defended her second place with a composed drive in her Red Bull-liveried car.
Out in front, Pulling built a commanding 3.4-second lead over the rest of the field, cruising towards another victory.
Abbi Pulling wins the race
As the race drew to a close, Pulling received a curious team radio message encouraging her to give Hamda Al Qubaisi a tow. However, Pulling’s lead was too substantial, and she crossed the line unchallenged.
Abbi Pulling’s triumph marked her record-breaking eighth win of the season, surpassing Marta García’s achievements from last year. Hamda Al Qubaisi held on to second place, fending off a determined Pin, who completed the podium.
