Abbi Pulling has become the second ever champion in F1 Academy. With this title, Pulling has spoken about the transformative role that the series plays for younger girls in motorsport.
F1 Academy creating visibility for Women
Speaking after her championship victory, Pulling emphasised the importance of F1 Academy. Pulling believes it has amplified Female representation in a sport historically dominated by men.
“F1 Academy, they’re on a live broadcast alongside Formula One, which is the pinnacle of motorsport, It brings a lot of eyes to it and also a lot of younger, impressionable female eyes, which is great.”
The British Driver stated that this was already having major impacts on the junior series. Abbi reflected on her own karting days compared to now,
“When I was there, it was just me. Now, you can’t count on two hands how many girls are in the paddock. It’s still not a lot compared to the male counterparts, but there’s progress.”
However whilst this increased number is telling, Pulling believes F1 Academy is a crucial step forward to normalising Women in Motorsport.
“There’s still more to do, but I think it just takes time. It’s a waiting game, It’s about families giving young girls opportunities and them falling in love with the sport as much as I have.”
Motorsport has been a male dominated area since its inception. However, with champions and initaives such as Abbi Pulling, and F1 Academy there is a growing normality of Women in the Sport. Allowing for younger generations to feel accepted and welcomed into a community that was vastly different many years before them.
“Photo Credit: Alpine F1 Team”
The future of Abbi Pulling
This years prize for winning the championship is a fully funded GP3 seat for the 2025 season. The Alpine academy driver will hence be making a major step forward in the rankings of feeder series. Marking an amazing achievement for Women in Motorsport.
Speaking on this prize, Pulling stated
“The prize itself is huge, I went into this year knowing I had to win; otherwise, my future would have been pretty uncertain.”
The uncertainty is something that Pulling often experienced during the Winter break of each season.
With her stating she’s had a few “scary winters” not knowing what the future holds for her motorsport career. Abbi feels a sense of relief knowing her 2025 campaign is set up already.
Abbi Pulling and F1 Academy will be back racing for its final race in Abu Dhabi in a weeks time.
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F1 Academy Champion Abbi Pulling – Photo Credit: Alpine F1 Team