F1 Academy Kicks Off 2025 Season in Shanghai with New Ready Contenders

SHANGHAI, China — The 2025 F1 Academy season is set to commence this weekend at the Shanghai International Circuit, featuring a field filled with young female racing talent eager to make their mark. With 17 full-time drivers across six teams and a Wild Card entry slated for each round, spectators are primed for an exhilarating start.

Returning to the competition are last year’s runner-up Doriane Pin of Mercedes and third-place finisher Maya Weug from Ferrari. Pin, the standout driver from 2024, is regarded as the one to beat after securing second place in the championship, amassing 217 points. Pulling away from the pack, she navigated the previous season with impressive performances, including multiple podiums in Zandvoort and Lusail. However, she fell short by 121 points behind 2024 Champion Abbi Pulling.

Weug, who finished strong with a race win in Abu Dhabi, hopes to channel that momentum as she begins her second season. The 20-year-old expressed confidence about her abilities: “Once I found my rhythm last season, it was exhilarating. I aim to continue that success this time around.”

In addition to familiar faces, a fresh group of 10 rookie drivers is set to enter the fray, including last season’s Wild Card entrants who earned a position this year: Courtney Crone, Nina Gademan, Alisha Palmowski, and Ella Lloyd. The growth and adaptation of these newer entrants will be closely watched as they vie for a prominent role in the series.

Chloe Chambers, another returning driver from Campos Racing, will aim to improve on her previous year’s success, moving from a sixth-place finish to challenge for the championship, stating, “I learned a lot last year, and I am ready to show what I’m made of in Shanghai.”

Meanwhile, American rallying sensation Lia Block will pivot back to single-seater racing. Following her rookie season where she gradually increased her performance, Block is looking to return to the podium. “Every race is a learning opportunity, and I’m eager to carry that knowledge into this season,” she said.

The newly introduced reverse grid format aims to shake up the racing routine, requiring drivers to showcase versatility and strategic prowess by battling through the pack in the first race. Pin expressed her thoughts on the format, saying, “It makes the races more competitive; anyone can seize the opportunity, making it essential to stay alert.”

The addition of Hitech TGR to the grid, showcasing two full-time rookies, expands the talent pool further. Their Wild Card driver, Shi Wei, is anticipated to receive strong support from local fans as the first Chinese driver to compete in F1 Academy.

As the excitement builds up to the first round, teams are preparing to capitalize on any advantage before heading to battle on the track. F1 Academy Managing Director Susie Wolff highlighted how the series is evolving, stating, “We aim to provide a competitive and empowering environment for female talent to shine in motorsport.”

The first race weekend unfolds from March 21 to 23, with Free Practice kicking off on March 21, followed by Qualifying and the opening race on March 22. Fans can expect a thrilling start as the next generation of female racing champions looks to make their mark on the world stage.