Kaylee Countryman started Reverse Grid Race on pole, but was not able to convert it into a maiden F1 Academy win. However, Mathilda Paatz was able to remain calm in a drama-filled race to win.
Early Drama
As soon as the lights went out, Rafaela Ferreira was on the charge, she got a better start than Countryman and was able to get into the lead of the race. Further back, Mathilda Paatz was able to move past Alba Larsen and into third position.
Later in the lap, Emma Felbermayr spun around after contact with Larsen but was able to get back on track. Another driver who spun was Ava Dobson, who had to retire after contact with the wall.
Rachel Robertson also stopped on track and had to retire with rear suspension damage following slight contact.
On Lap 2, a late Safety Car was called for Robertson’s stricken car.
The Restart
On Lap 7, racing resumed and the Safety Car returned to the pit lane. Ferreira perfectly executed the restart and was able to maintain her lead.
Further back in the field, Spanish rookie Natalia Granada was charging her way back through the field.
There was slight contact between Alisha Palmowski and Larsen with the former misjudging her braking and hitting the Ferrari from behind.
On Lap 8, Ferreira was noted for an alleged false start. Just one lap later, Jade Jacquet was noted for speeding in the pit lane and was then handed a 5-second time penalty. Ella Stevens was also handed a 10-second stop-go penalty for a starting procedure infringement and being out of position at the Safety Car line
Drama Later On
Paatz was charging on Lap 12 and was able to move to second position. Further on in the lap, Palmowski was tapped by Megan Bruce, spinning and collecting Nina Gademan with the Alpine driver having to retire.
On Lap 13, the Safety Car was called again as Gademan’s car was stranded. Stevens was given another penalty on Lap 14, she had five seconds added for speeding in the pit lane.
On the last lap, Ferreira was handed a 5-second penalty for a false start. Meanwhile, Larsen was battling with Countryman and moved up to third place.
Ferreira crossed the line in first, followed by Paatz and Larsen. Due to her penalty, the Brazilian driver was dropped to tenth place and Countryman was promoted to third place.