Pulling praised by mentor Powell for delivering F1 ACADEMY title in ‘make-or-break’ season

Alpine-backed F1 ACADEMY racer Abbi Pulling has been lauded by her mentor Alice Powell after delivering during a “make-or-break” season and winning the all-female championship in dominant fashion.

Pulling, 21, racked up seven pole positions, seven race wins and 11 podium finishes to secure the crown with three races to spare – her tally of 263 points now insurmountable by Mercedes junior Doriane Pin on 178.

F1 ACADEMY: Pulling secures 2024 title after taking P2 behind Pin in Qatar Race 1

Powell, a driver herself who became the first woman to win a Formula Renault race and title and score points in the then-named GP3 Series, has supported Pulling’s bid as a coach and key member of the Alpine Academy set-up.

Speaking after Pulling’s title win was confirmed with a P2 finish in Saturday’s opening F1 ACADEMY race in Qatar, Powell said: “I mean, it’s incredible. Behind the scenes there’s been so much work.

Pulling celebrates on the podium after securing the title in Qatar with F1, F1 ACADEMY and Alpine chiefs Stefano Domenicali, Susie Wolff, Oliver Oakes and Flavio Briatore

“For Abbi, this year was a make-or-break year. If she didn’t win, she would be back at home for probably next year, the year after, the year after, doing her graphic design and no racing. She knew the importance.

“Last year was really tough [finishing fifth overall] and she was in a really dark place at times. To see her really down at times, as a friend as well, is tough. For her to overcome that and get stronger in all areas is great.”

Powell added: “There’s been so much support for her. Alpine, Rodin Motorsport and Rodin Cars have done amazing things. It’s a big credit to them as well. There’s been lots of highs this year and I think it has really paid off. Without being biased, she fully deserves it.”

In addition to picking up the F1 ACADEMY championship trophy, Pulling will receive a fully-funded seat in GB3 with Rodin Motorsport for the 2025 season – assisting her rise up the motorsport ladder.

Abbi Pulling wins 2024 F1 Academy racing series

Asked what it will mean to Pulling to make that step, Powell commented: “It’s incredible. The support from F1 ACADEMY has made all the difference for her to move up.

F1 EXPLAINS: Ask an F1 ACADEMY driver – with Hamda and Amna Al Qubaisi

“It’s a very unique position to be in, a very unique championship, and it rewards the driver a lot if they’re able to succeed. Certainly, she’s wanted to progress for a long time.

“She’s worked hard and she’s now got the opportunity thanks to many people, many teams, and F1 ACADEMY included, to make that step.”

F1 ACADEMY had been set to go racing at the Lusail International Circuit for a second time on Sunday, but extended barrier repairs at the track forced the encounter to be cancelled.