Abbi Pulling Secures 2024 F1 Academy Championship Title in Qatar

British racing driver Abbi Pulling has made history by winning the 2024 F1 Academy championship in Qatar. The 21-year-old, who is a member of the Alpine Academy, clinched the title with a second-place finish in the first race of the weekend at the Lusail International Circuit, behind French rival Doriane Pin of Mercedes.

Pulling’s consistent dominance throughout the season was key to her success. She never finished lower than third in any race, securing a 95-point advantage over her nearest competitor, Doriane Pin, going into the penultimate round in Qatar. Despite being outqualified by Pin and Maya Weug for both races in Qatar, Pulling’s strategic drive from third to second in the first race sealed her championship win.

This achievement is particularly significant for Pulling, who has faced financial struggles in her career. The championship win comes with a fully-funded seat in the British GB3 junior series with Rodin Motorsport for the 2025 season, along with 20 days of testing in the GB3 car. This opportunity is a substantial boost to her career and alleviates some of the financial pressures she has endured.

In addition to her F1 Academy success, Pulling has also made waves in the British Formula 4 series, becoming the first woman to win a British F4 race at Brands Hatch. Her performance has garnered praise from F1 drivers and team principals, including Esteban Ocon and Oliver Oakes.

Pulling’s journey in motorsports began at the age of eight with karting, and she has since competed in various series, including the Ginetta Junior Championship, Ginetta GT5 Challenge, and the W Series. Her recent success in F1 Academy marks a significant milestone in her career and paves the way for future opportunities in the world of Formula 1.