The 2024 F1 Academy season is approaching its penultimate round in Qatar, with plenty at stake as the campaign nears its conclusion. After three days of testing at the Lusail International Circuit, the excitement is palpable with numerous storylines to follow as the season heads towards its final flurry of races.
One of the main talking points is Abbi Pulling, who is on the verge of clinching the championship. With an impressive seven wins in ten races, Pulling has built a commanding 95-point lead, and she could seal the title in Qatar by scoring just 18 points in the opening race. This could come from finishing in one of the top three positions, along with bonus points for the fastest lap or pole position. Despite stiff competition from Mercedes’ Doriane Pin, who has claimed two race wins this season, Pulling’s consistency has been the key to her dominance.
In the midst of the championship battle, Wild Card entry Alisha Palmowski is eager to prove herself. The 18-year-old, who finished as runner-up in the GB4 Championship, is making her F1 Academy debut in Qatar. Having shown impressive pace during testing, finishing no lower than sixth, Palmowski is looking to impress, especially with other Wild Card drivers already securing full-time seats for the 2025 season.
In the teams’ title race, PREMA Racing currently leads by seven points, largely thanks to Doriane Pin and Maya Weug’s efforts. Rodin Motorsport, driven by Pulling, is in second place, with Campos Racing still in contention, though 59 points behind. The team’s title remains undecided, with the remaining races set to be crucial in determining the winner.
With five seats already filled for next season, several drivers, including Pin, Weug, Lia Block, Aurelia Nobels, and Tina Hausmann, are looking to impress in these final races. Weug, in particular, is eager to secure her first victory, while Block, fresh off strong performances in Singapore, is looking to continue her progress.
