After months of anticipation, F1 Academy is back with its inaugural race at the Shanghai International Circuit from March 21-23. Can PREMA Racing defend their championship title?
PREMA Racing’s Championship Mission: A Tactical Approach to the 2025 Opener
With a meticulously selected driver lineup and a comprehensive understanding of the circuit’s demands, PREMA Racing aim to commence the season on a triumphant note.
During the sole Free Practice session, PREMA impressed, setting the tone for a strong season opener at the least. All PREMA cars were in the top 5 of the standings.
An Impressive Roster
Before we dive into the strategy and strengths at Shanghai, let’s take a look at the team’s roster for the 2025 season:
Doriane Pin
Doriane Pin returns for her second season with PREMA Racing, backed by the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team and Iron Dames. In her debut season, Pin secured eight podiums, five poles and three wins.
With 217 points, she finished second in the Drivers’ standings, with 121 points behind Alpine-backed driver Abbi Pulling.
The French driver’s experience and determination position her as a strong contender for the championship this year. She’s already started the season on a high, topping the time sheets during Free Practice.
READ MORE: F1: History of the Chinese Grand Prix
Nina Gademan
Nina Gademan joins PREMA Racing for her first full F1 Academy campaign, affiliated with the Alpine Academy.
Gademan made a notable impression as a wildcard entrant at Zandvoort in the previous season, where she qualified sixth and finished fourth in Race 1, while also scoring points in both qualifying sessions.
This made her the first wildcard driver to score points in the series. Her prior experience with the team and recent single-seater endeavours position her as a promising asset.
The Dutchwoman has already made an impressive start to her full-season debut, managing a P5 in Free Practice, just five-tenths behind Pin.
Tina Hausmann
18-year-old Swiss driver Tina Hausmann continues with PREMA Racing for her second season, supported by the Aston Martin Formula 1 Team.
Her highest finishing place in 2024 was in the last race in Abu Dhabi, where she finished Race 3 in fourth position. Hausmann aims to leverage her rookie experience to achieve greater success this year.
Also off to a good start, she was second in Free Practice, just nine one-hundredths of a second behind teammate Pin.
The Shanghai International Circuit: An Overview
WE ARE SO BACK. 🔥 #F1Academy #ChineseGP pic.twitter.com/WLc4FHIZXw
— F1 Academy (@f1academy) March 17, 2025
The Shanghai International Circuit, located in the Jiading district of Shanghai, has been a staple in motorsport since its inauguration in 2004.
Designed by Hermann Tilke, the circuit is renowned for its distinctive layout, which poses unique challenges to drivers and teams alike.
The track spans 5.451 kilometres (3.387 miles) and comprises 16 turns – nine right-handers and seven left-handers.
One of its most notable features is the first corner, a tight right-hander that spirals into a complex sequence.
The circuit also boasts one of the longest straights in Formula racing, measuring 1.2 km (0.75 miles), situated between Turns 13 and 14.
This straight offers prime overtaking opportunities, especially when combined with the DRS zones.
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PREMA’s Strategic Approach to the Shanghai Circuit
To excel at the Shanghai International Circuit, PREMA must plan and execute strategies that address the circuit’s unique characteristics.
Aerodynamic Setup
The circuit’s layout requires a balanced aerodynamic setup. The long back straight necessitates low drag to maximise top speeds, while the intricate combination of corners demands sufficient downforce for stability and agility.
Tyre Management
Tyre degradation is a critical factor in Shanghai. This is primarily due to the high-energy corners that exert substantial lateral forces on the tyres.
To prevent that, the team could incorporate multiple pit stops to maintain competitive lap times throughout the whole race.
Reverse Grid Format
With the reintroduction of reverse grid races, where the top eight qualifiers are inverted for Race 1, drivers must adeptly navigate traffic and execute overtaking manoeuvres to secure valuable points.
Looking Ahead for the Season Opener
Set your alarms for Shanghai. ⏰
Here’s when to watch the F1 Academy action this weekend.#F1Academy #ChineseGP pic.twitter.com/zrMAVa8UIq
— F1 Academy (@f1academy) March 19, 2025
PREMA Racing’s preparation, combined with a talented driver lineup, positions them favourably for the 2025 F1 Academy season opener in Shanghai.
As the lights go out for the Chinese GP, the team’s strategic approach and driver prowess will be pivotal in navigating the challenges of this demanding circuit.
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Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Michael Potts
Recording Date: 20.03.2025
