Winning F1 Academy Has ‘Kept The Dream Alive’ For Abbi Pulling

Motorsport breaks limits. The limits of speed, of engineering, of endurance. But one barrier remains stubbornly unbroken: no women stand among the 20 drivers on the Formula 1 grid. For a sport that prides itself on innovation, this gap feels glaring, almost contradictory. It’s not for lack of talent or determination—drivers like Abbi Pulling are proof of that. Instead, the challenges stem from systemic barriers, beginning long before the sound of an F1 engine.

The Financial Mountain of Motorsport

Racing is a sport of milliseconds—and millions. Unfortunately for young girls mesmerized by speed and competition, climbing the ranks reveals a price tag that is staggering, stacking up at every rung on the ladder. Aspiring drivers can expect to spend approximately $2 million on karting alone, followed by $500,000 per season in Formula 4. Advancing to Formula 3 adds another $1 million, while a stint in Formula 2 can exceed $3 million—exclusive of contingencies.

“It’s a hard sport to survive if you don’t have the financial side of it,” said Pulling.

A Lifeline Amidst Uncertainty

Pulling burst onto the motorsport scene as one of the youngest talents in W Series, a free-to-enter all-female series designed to level the playing field in a male-dominated sport. But in 2022, after three seasons, the series collapsed due to financial struggles, leaving the Briton and others scrambling for opportunities. “When W Series discontinued, it was really tough. I didn’t know what the next step for me was or if I’d continue,” said Pulling.

Enter F1 Academy, an all-female junior category designed to align more closely with the Formula 1 ladder, offering women a genuine chance to climb the ranks. In 2024, Pulling claimed the championship in dominant fashion but the victory wasn’t just a trophy–it was a lifeline. For without it, Pulling’s career might have stalled, another crucial stepping stone in junior racing, out of reach.

“For next year, winning the prize, it means so much. It is priceless to me, and it’s kept the dream alive. I didn’t have a choice but to win this year. Otherwise, my future would have been so uncertain,” said Pulling.

From Setbacks To Dominance

The Briton’s 2023 F1 Academy campaign with Rodin Carlin was a solid effort but inconsistent. Pulling secured seven podiums but faced setbacks, including disqualifications. At the opening weekend in Spielberg, Austria, she lost her pole positions due to technical infringements. “I felt like I was chasing my tail from that point onwards,” she said.

Her 2024 season, however, told a different story. Pulling dominated, collecting nine wins and finishing on the podium in every race.

“I’ve always been quick. It’s just been pulling it together.” said Pulling. “This year we really hit the ground running. I did a lot of work on my mental side to make sure that I’m as ready as possible, but also not putting too much pressure on myself over expecting things…I just go into every race trying to do the best I can with what I’ve got.”

Dreaming Of Bigger Machinery

Despite her success, Pulling’s hunger is far from satiated. She dreams of racing machinery with more downforce. “I’ve had a few goes in bigger machinery. I’ve had a test an FIA F3 car after the W Series championship and a GB3 test,” said Pulling. “I’ve had a taste for it and I enjoyed it so much and it was at that point, I was dreaming that I get to do a season in it.” Winning the F1 Academy title has earned Pulling a fully-funded seat with Rodin Motorsport in GB3 for the 2025 season.

“I know that financially it is such a big step up so I’m one step closer to fulfilling that dream of doing a whole season,” said Pulling.

While Formula 1 remains the ultimate goal, Pulling is pragmatic about her future. “GB3 is a step in the right direction and I’ll keep going along the ladder as long as I can but if other opportunities come my way [Formula E or WEC], I’m not going to turn a blind eye to it,” said Pulling.

A Platform for Change

Like W Series, F1 Academy has also faced criticism for being a segregated, all-female category, however, the reality is far more nuanced. The platform has provided invaluable exposure, enabling drivers like Abbi Pulling to build crucial relationships within motorsport and climb the ranks. Pulling credited Rodin Cars for providing the funding that allowed her to pursue a dual campaign, competing in both British F4 and F1 Academy.

“Obviously British F4 is against the guys. I won some races against the guys as well,” she said.

Pulling sees herself as living proof that the F1 Academy is fulfilling its mission of creating opportunities for women in motorsport.“The system is working,” she added.

She hopes her success will ignite a spark in the next generation of female racers.

“It just takes that one young girl watching to to say,‘Oh, look, there’s a girl doing it. I can do it too,’ and take that first step into karting,” said Pulling. “It’s nice to be a part of that, inspiring the next generation.”