Race 1 delivered drama long before the lights were set to go out. The formation lap alone reshaped the weekend’s narrative, as title contender Maya Weug was sent spinning out of contention after an unfortunate tangle with Tina Hausmann. It was a moment that stunned everyone, in an early exit no one saw coming.

Constant Shifts For P1

As the field lined up again, Nina Gademan held command from pole, but the lead was anything but secure. Alba Larsen wasted no time pouncing, slipping into first with confidence and pace. Yet the momentum didn’t last.

Moments later, Larsen found herself rotating through a sudden spin, surrendering the advantage she had only just claimed and sending another shockwave through an already unpredictable race. The intensity didn’t let up, with Ella Lloyd becoming the next casualty, sliding into the barriers and forcing the field to regroup.

Strong Pressure From Doriane Pin

Gademan held her ground with admirable composure, but the pressure from Pin mounted with every lap. Stalking the leader with calculated precision, the inevitable eventually happened—she seized the top spot with a clinical move that showcased both patience and sharp racecraft.

With shocks at every corner and the lead changing hands in dramatic fashion, it proved to be one of the season’s standout spectacles. Onto Race 2!

Author’s Note:

In the hours following the chequered flag, the storyline of Race 1 shifted yet again. Post-race scrutineering led to the disqualification of Alisha Palmowski, reshuffling the final order. The adjustment promoted Aurelia Nobels to a well-earned third place—her first F1 Academy podium. The penalty also extended points down to Rafaela Ferreira in eighth. Nicole Havrda was also handed a 30-second penalty for remaining in the pit lane after the formation lap due to a mechanical issue, placing her 12th in the classification.