Writer: Sofi Dawalibi
Editor: Mare Lara
Formula 1 Academy’s racing may have just outdone itself. The Singapore track is known to be loved by racers, as Abbi Pulling stated to the Academy before conquering her third win of the season. “That was so much fun. I absolutely love this track” said Pulling as she went ahead to win both races for Rodin Motorsport. In her wake were Maya Weug, currently representing Ferrari, and Doriane Pin with Mercedes.
The girls were wheel to wheel during the race, creating a thrilling experience for the watchers, thankfully it was a completely incident-free weekend. With absolutely no cold tires, there was incredible action for the duration of the race. Though Abbi is the top contender to move into Formula 3 in 2025, Lia Block had a flourishing race, especially in Race 2 where her strategy of blocking other competitors made an impediment between the racers and the top 3. There was no doubt on who was going to win as Pulling had been going on strong, holding a 95-point lead over Doriane Pin, whose frustration was palpable. Doriane was a steady contender ever since Saudi Arabia, where her racing was unremarkable, showing a prominent future for Mercedes. However, her mistakes in Race 2 of Singapore were unfortunately unsalvageable.
One racer who passed completely undetected is Bianca Bustamante, the McLaren racer. Bianca, unfortunately, had a messy start, placing 16th in the first race where she caused an aborted start, and then in Race 2, where she caused a deployment of a safety car after a spin on the exit curb on turn five – almost being laid onto the wall – restarting it just to finish on 14th place. Her standing in the top six of the drivers’ standing has fallen. Nonetheless, at the moment, McLaren’s expectations of their racers should be at an all-time high, as Lando Norris has just placed first in Formula 1’s race in Singapore. Hopefully, Bianca can regain footing for round 6 in Qatar.
Meanwhile, Ella Lloyd – Singapore’s Wild Card – asserted herself as this new idea of unveiling wildcards to the F1 Academy, previously done by Nina Gademan. Her boldness throughout the races was pure proof of why she was able to set the 11th fastest time, qualifying in eighth for each of the competitions. At the same time, that was expected of those who have watched British F4, as she has secured the podium three times this season. Ella is definitely on her way to making a more permanent comeback in F1 Academy.
Referring to British F4, Pulling has also become the first-ever woman to win it this season. Earning her place as a finalist in the BRDC Young Driver of the Year Award, continuing to lead her overtake of the racing – while still looking completely neat with her past wins. – At this point, Abbi is not only the face of the race but she’s also established herself as unreachable across the grid.
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