As Last Word on Sports looks back on 2024, here is how Abbi Pulling became the 2024 F1 Academy Champion for Alpine and Rodin Motorsport.
A Season of Domination
Abbi Pulling’s rise to the 2024 F1 Academy Championship title was marked by consistency and a series of dominant performances that left her other competitors often trailing behind her without a look into the top spot on the podium.
WINNER AGAIN! 🏆 🏆
What a way to wrap up my Saturday 😍 To win two races in a row and to add a ninth to my @f1academy season is amazing. Might change my name to PULLIN9 😁 #F1Academy #AbuDhabiGP pic.twitter.com/riEK7KZ3NF
— Abbi Pulling (@AbbiPulling) December 7, 2024
The British driver was signed by Alpine’s newly-formed Alpine Affiliate programme in March 2022. This led to her becoming a full-time member of the Alpine Academy in 2023.
That same year, she competed in the inaugural F1 Academy season with Rodin Carlin, now Rodin Motorsport, where she honed her skills and gained invaluable experience, setting the stage for her breakthrough 2024 season.
It is hoped the 2024 rookies, such as Chloe Chambers and Lia Block, who are confirmed for 2025, will follow suit next year.
🌟 What a season! 🌟
2024, you’ve been incredible. From victories on track to amazing experiences off it, this year has been one to remember. Competing in F1 Academy has been mega, and I’ll miss being part of this awesome series. pic.twitter.com/19tyzg3NfD
— Abbi Pulling (@AbbiPulling) December 10, 2024
Early Momentum: Jeddah and Miami
The 2024 F1 Academy season began on the Jeddah Street Circuit where Pulling’s consistency immediately set the tone. She claimed two podiums, including her debut F1 Academy win in Race 2.
This came after Doriane Pin’s penalty for crossing the finish line twice. Leaving Jeddah as the Championship leader, Pulling carried her momentum to Miami.
At the Miami International Autodrome, Pulling was untouchable. She qualified on pole for both races and converted them into back-to-back wins, leading every lap of the weekend.
Her performance included a grand chelem in Race 2, showcasing her ability to dominate on street circuits.
European Domination: Barcelona and Zandvoort
The European leg of the season began in Barcelona, where Pulling extended her winning streak to four races. Her precision and focus were on full display as she achieved another grand chelem in Race 1.
Despite her streak ending in Race 2 with a second-place finish behind Chloe Chambers, Pulling remained unshaken, maintaining a comfortable championship lead.
At Zandvoort, adverse weather conditions shortened the first race of the weekend, but Pulling’s dominance continued. Starting from Pole, she claimed another lights-to-flag victory in Race 1. Race 2 saw her battle fiercely to secure third, continuing her streak of podium finishes.
By this stage, her lead in the Championship had become commanding.
Round 5 in Singapore
Pulling’s exceptional form continued under the lights of Singapore. She took both Pole positions and won both races, securing yet another grand chelem in Race 2.
Her ability to navigate the technical street circuit while managing the pressures of a championship fight underlined her maturity as a driver with many taking note of her potential.
Final Challenges: Qatar and Abu Dhabi
By the time the series arrived in Qatar, Pulling had built a further commanding lead in the standings. Pin sat behind her in second place and had serious work to put in if she wanted to continue the title fight for another week.
In Race 1, Pulling finished second to Pin’s first, which, combined with the cancellation of Race 2 due to a damaged barrier, allowed her to secure the 2024 F1 Academy Championship with two races to spare.
However, the season finale in Abu Dhabi brought additional drama. With a third race added due to the cancellation in Qatar, Pulling faced the pressure of a potential comeback from Pin, who could still challenge her for the title.
Pulling rose to the occasion, securing pole positions for all three races and collecting important points in the process. The triple-pole saw her win the Championship for a second time on Saturday, December 7.
She won Race 1 and Race 2, extending her victory total for the season to nine, a record for the F1 Academy. Last year’s winner Marta García won 7 in total.
Despite a close finish in Race 3, where she took second to Maya Weug, Pulling’s consistency and dominance ensured that she would be crowned champion.
Can’t keep me off that @F1Academy podium! What a way to end the race weekend, and the 2024 season 🥳
It was a hard race, but ended with a great result. Congrats to @maya_weug on your win 👏 #AbuDhabiGP #F1Academy pic.twitter.com/QZEOPHII1W
— Abbi Pulling (@AbbiPulling) December 8, 2024
A Historic Achievement
Abbi Pulling became the 2024 F1 Academy Champion through race wins but also unshakable consistency.
She finished the season with a record of nine wins, including three grand chelems, and became the first F1 Academy driver to finish on the podium in every race of the season.
100% podium record for @AbbiPulling 🥈
Let’s goooooo 💨💨 pic.twitter.com/gzJtYtHcPA
— BWT Alpine Formula One Team (@AlpineF1Team) December 8, 2024
In 2025 she will race for Rodin Motorsport in the GB3 Championship. As the F1 Academy Champion, she will receive a fully funded seat alongside 20 days of testing in that same car.
The series begins on April 26 to 27 at Silverstone. She will be one to watch.
