Abbi Pulling says she wants to “prove a point” in Miami after controversially claiming victory at the opening weekend of the F1 Academy in Saudi Arabia.
Pulling went to Miami as the championship leader after Doriane Pin received a penalty for failing to slow down after the checkered flag in the second race in Jeddah in March and lost the win.
This meant that although Brit Pulling took the win after the race, he won both races at the Miami track with a dominant weekend, securing both pole position and the finish line to take victories.
The 21-year-old thus extended her lead in the championship to 34 points over Pin after four races.
“The atmosphere was flawless and I think I scored 57 out of 58 possible points the whole weekend, so it was almost perfect,” said Pulling Sky Sports F1 Podcast.
“When I came to Miami, I upped my game a little bit, especially after Jeddah and the controversy, or whatever you want to call it, that happened there when I didn’t win on the track. I definitely wanted to prove a point and show that I can do it on the track.
Drag: Cameras everywhere in Miami
Ahead of Miami, the F1 Academy announced that documentaries about the current season will be shown on Netflix in 2025.
Behind-the-scenes access to the all-women’s series will be similar to F1’s Drive to Survive, giving fans an insight into what happens outside the race car at the F1 Academy.
Pulling, who has become the only driver to achieve a podium finish in every race so far this year, said there was “great excitement” in Miami.
“Off the track it was crazy too, especially after the Netflix announcement. Everywhere you look there’s a camera on your face and a microphone on your mouth, so it’s pretty intense in that way too.”
“But I just think it’s great to put ourselves on a platform like this and take a look behind the scenes of the race. It’s not just about getting in and out of the car, there’s so much more off the track.”
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Highlights from the second race of the second round of the F1 Academy Series in Miami
Pulling’s 2024 dual racing program
The F1 Academy will host 14 races at seven locations this year. The next event will take place on the Spanish Grand Prix weekend in Barcelona on June 22nd-23rd.
Zandvoort in the Netherlands, Singapore, Qatar and Abu Dhabi are the remaining venues in 2024.
This means there are some big gaps in the calendar, which is why Pulling is also competing in the British F4 Championship this year to maintain their racing strength.
“I’m actually racing at Brands Hatch Indy this weekend. I drove from Miami to Brands Indy, pretty big difference!” she said.
“It’s definitely about staying sharp. That’s what I’ve always said: I just need more sitting time.”
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After their victory in the first race in Miami, Ted Kravitz meets Alpines Pulling and her teammate Alice Powell
“The F1 Academy and Rodin Cars have supported me this year and I can’t thank them enough for the opportunities they have given me. This year I’m completely overwhelmed by how much I’m traveling in a car because of the double campaign.
“Although the two cars look almost identical, they are two really different cars to drive – especially in the UK where it is very cool. You go from around 55 degrees track temperature to six degrees track temperature.”
“It’s pretty hard, but I think that makes me a better rider because of the adaptability. One of the greatest strengths you can have, aside from the mental side, is adaptability. Knowing how to adapt your driving behavior to different conditions is really important.”
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Charlotte Tilbury MBE explains why Charlotte Tilbury Beauty has become an official partner of the F1 Academy and says they are making history
Pull: A happy Lando is a fast Lando
The British national anthem was heard three times in Miami over the weekend, twice due to Pulling’s victories and the other time due to Lando Norris’ first Formula 1 victory.
Norris became the 21st British driver to win a Grand Prix and before the race there was a clear show of confidence from the McLaren driver, which Pulling noticed.
“One important thing I have said this year is to stay positive and keep smiling. “I always say that a happy Abbi is a fast Abbi, so he probably thinks with the same mindset – a happy Lando is a fast Lando,” he told Drag.
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On the Sky Sports F1 Podcast, Natalie Pinkham reflects on the growth and development of Lando Norris since his early years in the sport
“You could clearly see at the weekend that he was very happy and could feel the potential of the car.”
“I think the mind is a rider’s most powerful tool and can sometimes be overlooked. A strong mindset can have a really positive impact on performance on the track. You have to believe in yourself before others believe in you.”
“You really have to tell yourself, ‘I can do this and I’m capable of this,’ and give yourself 1,000 percent confidence, otherwise you can get in your own head and end up in a bad place mentally.” “
Hear more from Pulling as she appears alongside Karun Chandhok and Natalie Pinkham on the latest episode of the Sky Sports F1 Podcast. Don’t miss an episode of the Sky Sports F1 podcast. Subscribe now on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | speaker
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