The 2024 FIA Academy season was the trademark year for Abbi Pulling, one of motorsport’s brightest young talents. Moreover, her journey throughout the season has been characterised by remarkable achievements, resilience, and a commitment to excellence that has captured the attention of motorsport fans, especially women.
It was filled with thrilling moments in each race and different performances from the drivers, making it a standout year in women’s motorsports.
Some of the most memorable races that defined Abbi Pulling passion for this sport in the 2024 season:
- Miami Grand Prix: Double Victory In Round 2 at Miami, Pulling’s dominant performance saw her secure pole positions for both races and lead every lap, claiming double victories and a grand slam in Race 1.
- Barcelona: Another Podium! Abbi Pulling continued her strong standing with a Grand Chelem in Race 1 at Barcelona, followed by a second-place finish in Race 2. This victory marked her fourth consecutive win, reinforcing her top contender status.
- Zandvoort: Abbi Pulling win in Race 1 at Zandvoort, alongside a third-place finish in Race 2, secured her third grand podium of the season and further extended her championship lead.
- Singapore: The Championship momentum has arrived for Abbi. She pulled a perfect weekend in Singapore, with wins in both races, including a podium in Race 2, allowing her to extend her lead in the championship over Doriane Pin.
- Abu Dhabi GP: The season finale in Abu Dhabi saw Pulling secure her ninth consecutive win after a dramatic race filled with intense competition and strategic battles, capping off a historic season.
Abbi Pulling’s performance in the F1 Academy Championship was extraordinary. She claimed seven wins a perfect podium record, and dominance from one race to another.
The dominance came as somewhat of a surprise after Doriane Pin’s control over the opening weekend in Jeddah, which would have seen the Frenchwoman take a double victory had it not been for a situation that saw her twice take the chequered flag in the second race of the event.
One of the unique records was how Pulling 100% finished on the podium and has only dropped out of the top two placings once – it was on race two at Zandvoort. The Persistence she holds dear leads her to run at the front. The opening lap pass on Maya Weug in Qatar was her first on-track pass of the season. Other than consistency and persistence, which helped her secure the title, her ability to perform under pressure and consistently deliver top-tier results set her apart as one of the most consistent drivers in the series.
“Honestly, it feels like a huge weight off my shoulders,” she shared. “Every winter, I wonder, ‘What’s next?’ Thankfully, with my dad and the support of Alpine and Rodin, I’ve come this far. Next year, I’m as hungry as ever and ready to make the most of every opportunity.”
As a result of Abbi Pulling fantastic 2024 season, She landed a fully funded ride in the GB3 series with Rodin Motorsport for the 2025 season. This opportunity will position her for continuous growth and success in their motorsport career, which will be invaluable as she prepares to compete at a higher level.
References
Formula 1 (2023, Dec. 8). F1 Academy announces 2024 champion will receive a fully-funded GB3 seat for 2025. Formula 1. [Online]. Available: https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/f1-academy-announce-2024-champion-will-receive-fully-funded-gb3-seat-for.4nMoLBksmdixGowaEiMPsN
The Race (2023, Nov. 30). The Bizarre twist means Pulling has to clinch the 2024 F1 Academy title again. The Race. [Online]. Available: https://www.the-race.com/single-seater-open-wheel/bizarre-twist-means-pulling-has-to-clinch-2024-f1-academy-title-again/
Alpine Cars (2023, Dec. 3). Abbi is on the verge of F1 Academy title success. Alpine Cars. [Online]. Available: https://www.alpine-cars.co.uk/formula-1/f1-news/abbi-on-verge-of-f1-academy-title-success.html
Everything F1 (2024, Dec. 18). F1 Academy Race 2: Abu Dhabi GP 2024, Ninth straight win for Abbi Pulling. Everything F1. [Online]. Available: https://www.everythingf1.com/f1-academy-race-2-abu-dhabi-gp-2024-ninth-straight-win-for-abbi-pulling/
Motorsport.com (2023, Nov. 27). Pulling seals F1 Academy title with three races to go. Motorsport.com. [Online]. Available: https://www.motorsport.com/f1-academy/news/abbi-pulling-seals-title-three-races-to-go/12987414/
