For most young drivers, stepping up the motorsport ladder is a matter of fractions—fractions of a second, of opportunity, of preparation. For Abbi Pulling, the last year was a year of leaps. From F1 Academy to GB3 and now part of the Nissan Formula E team, the 22-year-old Briton has quietly, steadily carved out her path in some of the most competitive environments motorsport has to offer.

Ahead of her second Formula E Rookie Test, The Girls Who – Motorsport sat down with Pulling to talk about her journey, the challenge of electric racing, and how she’s learning to trust the process—even when the margins get tough.

From GB3 to Formula E: Bridging Two Worlds

The jump from the F1 Academy series to GB3 hasn’t been easy, Pulling admits. “There’s a lot of downforce,” she explains, noting how each new step in her career has demanded more technical input, more feel, and more adaptability.

GB3—widely regarded as one of Europe’s most competitive junior single-seater championships—has thrown Pulling into deep waters. But it’s also sharpened her instincts and racecraft, something she’s now beginning to carry over into her development role at Nissan Formula E.

“There’s more personnel, more going on behind the scenes. It’s a bigger operation. But every time I get in the car, I’m learning—and that’s what counts.”

A Shock to the System

Her first experience with Formula E machinery came at the All-Women’s Test in Valencia last November. It was a game-changer.

“The electric power… the instant torque—it was nothing like I’d ever experienced before,” Pulling says, lighting up at the memory. “As soon as you put your foot down, it just went.”

That first outing left her hungry for more. With this year’s official rookie test later in the week, she sees a clear goal: build on what she learnt at the women’s test and help Nissan develop key technical items during her run.

“I’ve got some areas I need to work on, and this is the chance to do that.”

Representation with Real Purpose

Opportunities like the All-Women’s Test and the Rookie Test aren’t just tick-box exercises—they’re career-defining. For Pulling, they’ve already opened doors.

“If it wasn’t for the women’s test, I don’t know if I would’ve ever had this opportunity with Nissan,” she says. “Formula E is incredibly open-minded about having women involved. What Jeff [Dodds, Formula E CEO] is doing for the sport is huge.”

Today, she serves as Nissan’s simulator and rookie driver, a role that lets her soak up data, help with development, and fast-track her understanding of the highly technical Gen3 Evo car. It’s a learning curve she’s fully embraced.

Eyes on the Track—and the Future

The upcoming rookie test won’t be easy. The circuit is unforgiving, and the field is stacked with elite talent. “Some of the people I’m out with… they’re incredible drivers. That alone is going to be incredibly tough,” she says.

Still, the challenge is exactly what drives her. The narrow streets, tight margins, and technical demands of Formula E feel like the perfect laboratory for growth.

She’s already got her eye on the championship’s most iconic venues for a dream debut race. “It has to be Monaco,” she says, smiling. “I could say London, but Monaco… it’s just incredible. Formula E there is so exciting. You don’t always get that in Formula 1.”

Mexico also gets a shoutout—“the fans are amazing”—and so does Portland for its unique layout. “I didn’t realise how many Mexican fans I had until I went on holiday in Cancun and got so many messages!” she laughs.

Playing the Long Game

Would she switch to Formula E full-time if the opportunity came?

“I don’t think I’d hesitate,” she says, after a pause. “But I’ve got a lot to learn. It’s a really hard grid, and the car is like three different cars depending on the mode you’re in. It takes serious adaptability.”

Still, the pieces are falling into place. Her ongoing work with Nissan gives her the tools—and the time—to close the gap and understand the car at a deeper level.

“This partnership gives me the chance to keep learning and hopefully open up that opportunity in the future.”

“Just Don’t Sweat It”

Motorsport can be brutal—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Pulling knows that. But the best advice she’s ever received is simple: control what you can, and don’t sweat the rest.

“Don’t dwell on things. Just take everything as a learning opportunity,” she says. “Focus on what you can control. I’m always driving my best when I’m happy and enjoying myself.”

It’s a message she’d send straight back to her younger self and one that feels just as relevant for young fans watching her rise. “It’s incredible that little girls—and even little boys—are looking up to me,” she reflects. “I never had a female role model growing up in motorsport. So if I can be that for someone else, that’s really special.”

Abbi Pulling isn’t in a rush. She’s not trying to skip steps. She’s just making every opportunity count—and proving that with the right mindset and the right people around you, the future is wide open.

Watch the full interview with Abbi Pulling now on YouTube to hear more about her journey, her Formula E dreams, and her advice for the next generation.