Young female drivers participating in the F1 Academy series welcomed the challenge of the Lusail International Circuit (LIC) as they prepared for the sixth round of the championship. The circuit will host the upcoming race scheduled from November 29 to December 1, making it Qatar’s first time hosting an F1 Academy race. The racers, including Hamda Al Qubaisi of Red Bull Racing, Lola Lovinfosse of Rodin Motorsport, Jessica Edgar of Rodin Motorsport, and Nerea Marti of Campos Racing, expressed their enthusiasm as they kicked off a three-day final in-season test at the LIC.
Hamda Al Qubaisi, a prominent figure in UAE motorsport, highlighted the physically demanding nature of the LIC and the importance of being physically prepared. She also expressed optimism about the potential for female drivers to compete at higher levels, stating that the support of the F1 Academy in the F4 category is a step towards competing in higher categories like F1. The 22-year-old driver, who made history by claiming a podium in the Italian F4 Championship in 2021, believes that better cars will facilitate the progression of female drivers towards F1.
The F1 Academy’s second season features an all-female, single-seater series using Formula 4 machinery. With the support of all 10 F1 teams, each backing a female driver, the series consists of seven rounds on the calendar. The champion of this year’s F1 Academy will earn a fully-funded seat in GB3 next season with Rodin Motorsport, along with 20 days of testing funded by F1 Academy and Pirelli. Currently, Alpine junior driver Abbi Pulling, representing Rodin Motorsport, leads the F1 Academy standings and has the opportunity to clinch the title in Qatar with two events remaining.
French driver Lola Lovinfosse of Rodin Motorsport expressed excitement about the upcoming race at the LIC, describing it as a special track with high-speed corners that will provide an exciting racing experience. Lovinfosse anticipates that the fast and flowing nature of the circuit will make it the highlight of the season for the competitors. With all 10 Formula 1 teams participating in the F1 Academy project this season, the series aims to showcase the talents of female drivers and provide a platform for them to progress to higher categories of racing.
As the F1 Academy continues to support and promote female talent in motorsports, the series represents a significant step towards gender equality and diversity in Formula 1. By providing opportunities for female drivers to compete at a professional level and showcasing their capabilities on the track, the F1 Academy is paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse future in the world of motorsports. With races at iconic circuits like the LIC and the support of top F1 teams, female drivers are gaining recognition and opportunities to excel in the sport, with the potential to reach the pinnacle of racing in the future.
