F1 Academy: Abbi Pulling becomes 2024 champion in Qatar as Dorianne Pin wins first race
Abbi Pulling is the 2024 F1 Academy champion after she finished second behind Dorianne Pin in the opening Qatar race; second race was cancelled on Sunday; watch F1 Qatar Grand Prix at 4pm, build-up at 2.30pm on Sky Sports F1
Sunday 1 December 2024 11:36, UK
Britain's Abbi Pulling won the 2024 F1 Academy title in Qatar on Saturday.
Pulling simply needed to score 18 points in the last four races to secure the championship and did so at the first time of asking as she finished in second behind Dorianne Pin.
The 21-year-old is the second F1 Academy champion after Marta Garcia won last year's inaugural season.
Pulling will receive a fully funded seat in GB3 with Rodin Motorsport for 2025, as a result of becoming champion.
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"It's been a tougher season than most things. Going into the year, I had no choice to win. I've struggled financially in the past and to get the prize for next year," said an emotional Pulling.
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"I know it's so early to talk about next year, but that makes me so happy and incredibly proud.
"I can't thank everyone who has got me in this position - Alpine, Rodin, Rodin Cars, I can't thank them enough.
"All my family, all the sacrifices my dad made. It's just a sigh of relief."
Pulling made the start she needed from third by overtaking Ferrari junior Maya Weug at the first corner with a brave move down the inside to take second.
She was unable to do anything about runaway winner Pin, who took her third win of the season.
Pin finished 6.7 seconds ahead of Pulling, with Weug comfortably rounding out the podium in third from Hamda Al Qubaisi.
The second race in Qatar was cancelled on Sunday morning due to extended barrier repairs from a previous support race.
The final F1 Academy weekend takes place in Abu Dhabi, with practice from this Friday on Sky Sports F1.
Chadwick: Pulling is a great personality
This year has been a breakthrough season for Pulling after she also became the first woman to claim victory in a British Formula 4 race at Brands Hatch.
She has been almost faultless according to Andretti driver Jamie Chadwick.
"She's always been there to take home victories and when it hasn't, she's just been one step lower," Chadwick told Sky Sports.
"We raced against each other in W-Series. She mentioned when I spoke to her that she's matured a lot.
"She's great fun, a great personality and doesn't take life too seriously. She really enjoys the moment, which I think is important for everyone.
"She's got some great people around her, including Alice Powell, and a lot of Alpine support."
Sky Sports F1's live Qatar GP schedule
Sunday December 1
12.15pm: F2 Feature Race
2.30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: Qatar GP build-up
4pm: THE QATAR GRAND PRIX
6pm: Chequered Flag: Qatar GP reaction
7pm: Ted's Notebook
Formula 1's season-ending triple-header continues this weekend with the Qatar Grand Prix, live on Sky Sports F1. Get Sky Sports F1 or stream with NOW
