In the sweltering heat of Miami, the 2024 F1 Academy kicked off its Race 1 showdown with drama, grit, and a dominant performance from Rodin Motorsport’s Abbi Pulling. Starting from sixth on the grid, Pulling executed a masterful comeback that cemented her reputation as a title contender. As fans packed the stands in anticipation of another tight race, they were treated instead to a showcase of racing brilliance and strategic excellence that left rivals scrambling in her wake.
Lights Out and Chaos Ensues: Opening Laps Set the Stage
The Miami International Autodrome’s tight corners and long straights demanded perfection. As the lights went out, it was a clean getaway for pole-sitter Doriane Pin. However, chaos unfolded behind her with a tangle into Turn 1 that saw key positions shuffled and cars jostling for racing room. Pulling capitalized early, navigating the disorder and gaining crucial positions within the first lap.
The initial laps saw fierce wheel-to-wheel action, particularly in the midfield where Lena Bühler, Hamda Al Qubaisi, and Bianca Bustamante battled ferociously. But amid the turmoil, Pulling remained clinical. Her overtakes were decisive, particularly her bold outside move on Al Qubaisi into Turn 11, demonstrating race awareness well beyond her years.
Mid-Race Momentum: Precision and Tire Management Pay Off
By Lap 7, Pulling had moved up to third, trailing Pin and Bühler. But it was here that Pulling’s racecraft came to life. Employing superior tire management and surgical precision through the technical sections, she closed the gap effortlessly. While her rivals suffered under the relentless Miami sun, battling tire degradation, Pulling’s Rodin machine looked poised and stable.
On Lap 10, she pounced on Bühler, diving into Turn 17 with pinpoint timing. Just two laps later, she reeled in the leader Pin, executing a stunning overtake into Turn 1 — a move that drew gasps from the paddock and cheers from the crowd.
Final Laps: Controlled Dominance and Unmatched Pace
Once in the lead, Pulling showed no signs of easing off. Clocking lap times half a second faster than her closest pursuers, she extended her lead with clinical consistency. Behind her, Pin fought hard to maintain position, with Bühler in pursuit, but neither could close the gap. Pulling’s Rodin Motorsport team maintained radio silence, knowing that their driver was in complete command.
By the final lap, Pulling had carved out a lead of over 4.2 seconds, a margin rarely seen in such a competitive grid. As she crossed the line, she not only clinched victory but also sent a resounding message to the rest of the paddock: the 2024 F1 Academy championship fight has a new frontrunner.
Official Top 10 Race Results – Miami Race 1
- Abbi Pulling (Rodin Motorsport) – 14 Laps
- Doriane Pin (PREMA Racing) – +4.279s
- Léna Bühler (ART Grand Prix) – +6.498s
- Hamda Al Qubaisi (MP Motorsport) – +9.143s
- Bianca Bustamante (ART Grand Prix) – +11.671s
- Jess Edgar (Rodin Motorsport) – +13.214s
- Maya Weug (PREMA Racing) – +14.302s
- Nerea Martí (Campos Racing) – +16.880s
- Emely de Heus (MP Motorsport) – +18.545s
- Chloe Chambers (Campos Racing) – +21.010s
Championship Implications: Pulling Takes Command
With her sensational win in Miami, Pulling now leads the F1 Academy driver standings. Her maturity under pressure, paired with Rodin Motorsport’s setup perfection, signals a potential shift in the power dynamics of the championship. For Pin and Bühler, consistency remains key, but Pulling’s momentum could prove hard to stop if her Miami form continues.
The team standings are similarly impacted. Rodin Motorsport surged up the ranks, thanks to strong double-point finishes from Pulling and Edgar. ART Grand Prix and PREMA Racing, while still strong, must now recalibrate their strategies heading into Race 2.
Pulling’s victory marks her second of the season, reaffirming her position not just as a frontrunner but as the driver to beat. The above chart reflects the win distribution, with Pulling slowly pulling ahead in the championship tally.
- Stunning Turn 1 overtake: Pulling’s move on Pin was hailed as one of the most daring of the season.
- Flawless tire strategy: Rodin Motorsport’s setup allowed Pulling to manage her tires better than any competitor.
- Battle of the mid-pack: Bustamante, Edgar, and Martí delivered thrilling exchanges that showcased the depth of talent in the 2024 grid.
The F1 Academy grid now resets for Race 2 in Miami, with reverse grid format promising more unpredictability. Pulling, though starting further down, remains the focal point. All eyes will be on how her competitors respond and whether she can replicate her storming drive once again.
If Miami Race 1 is anything to go by, the 2024 F1 Academy season promises a thrilling battle that could go right down to the wire.
