The season opener for Formula One Academy delivered excitement and wheel-to-wheel action. Front wings went flying, some people went a little wider than going around the outside and a rookie held it down.
Race one of the Formula 1 Academy weekend starts with a reverse grid. Each person who places 9th-18th starts where they qualify. If you’re one of the top 8 drivers, it’s a different story.
The New Faces in Town
Nina Gademan started at the front of the reverse grid, much like last season’s opener. She was quick off the starting line, securing herself the win from the start. All whilst rookie driver, Natalia Granada held onto her 2nd place start.
It wasn’t just rookie Granada that showed us what they’re made of. Rookies throughout the track gave us a nail-biting performance from lights out. Payton Westcott made an amazing start to the race, whilst Megan Bruce shot her way along the track from 14th to 10th.
Oldies but Goldies
It wasn’t just the rookies who showed us a good time. Experienced driver Palmowski, who qualified 1st yesterday, started 8th on the reverse grid. She pushed her way through the pack and a fight between herself and Larsen broke out.
The fight between Alisha Palmowski and Ferrari driver, Alba Larsen grabbed everyone’s attention. The champion leader, Palmowski, showed her best effort, but Larsen was elbows out today.
Ella Lloyd decided today was the day that she would show us what she’s made of and shot the McLaren along the track. She was lighting up the time sheets with a fastest first sector.
Front Wings Aren’t For Everyone
Mathilda Paatz had some gear box issues in yesterday’s qualifying and started 16th. She did not last long on track before her front wing needed to be swapped out. This might not be the weekend for her.
Up ahead of Paatz, a three-way fight was underway. Dobson, Robertson and Jaquet fought tooth and nail. Robertson’s race engineer prompted her to not play nice, and she gave it her best shot.
Larsen really showed us what not playing nice was as she made contact with Felbermayr and loses her front wing. A safety car came in and things only got harder for her.
Safety Car Re-Start
After deciding she did not need to pit for a new wing, Larsen re-started the race with no front wing and a dream.
Her trip with no front wing did not last long. She pitted on the last couple of laps and ended up 18th. She is not the only one who made mistakes today. Westcott also tried her best to gain some points but had a little de-tour around the outside, making her 6th in the end.
Up the front, leader of the pack, Gademan had an amazing re-start and rookie Granada held it down between two experienced drivers. Palmowski’s sights got set on Felbermayr and began the chase. A last-ditch effort before the end of the race.
Another last-ditch three-car battle was fought between Robertson, Dobson and Ella Stevens. Robertson and Dobson continued to pass and re-pass each other all the way through.
Nina Gademan Wins Race 1!
Nina Gademan showed us a calm, collected race and led the pack the whole way home. On her radio with her engineer, we could hear her screaming with excitement. What a win for the first Formula One Academy race!