Britain’s Abbi Pulling has reclaimed the 2024 F1 Academy title that was revoked this week by securing all three pole positions in Abu Dhabi on Friday.
The 21-year-old Alpine driver celebrated her championship victory in Qatar last week. But after the second race at the Lusail International Circuit was cancelled because of barrier repairs, organisers decided to add a third race to the Yas Marina schedule instead.
That meant her 83-point lead over Doriane Pin of Mercedes was not enough to be mathematically certain of the title with 84 available at round seven in Abu Dhabi.
In the all-female series, drivers score 25 points for a win, two for pole and one point for fastest lap.
Pulling took all three poles for the season finale on Friday, meaning she was crowned the winner for the second time in a week.
“It’s nice to hear those words,” Pulling said after being called “a champion” in her post-qualifying interview.
As part of her title win, she will receive a fully-funded season in the GB3 Championship, a single-seater series based in the United Kingdom.
“It’s been a tougher season than most think,” Pulling added. “At the beginning of the year, I had no choice but to win. I’ve struggled financially in the past, but to get the prize for next year – I know it’s so early to be talking about next year – but that makes me so happy.”