F1 Academy 2025: Everything You Need to Know About the Calendar, Teams, Drivers, Format, and Points System for the All-Female Racing Series | F1 News

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The F1 Academy is set to commence its new season in 2025, offering fans the opportunity to watch every race live on Sky Sports F1.

With last year’s champion, Abbi Pulling, opting not to defend her title, attention now shifts to who will emerge victorious this season.

Aimed at facilitating the progression of female racers through the levels of motorsport, F1 Academy plays a crucial role in bridging karting and higher competitive series, potentially paving the way for women to compete in Formula 1.

Notably, Susie Wolff, who serves as the managing director of F1 Academy, is recognized as the last female driver to participate in an F1 weekend, having driven for Williams during Practice One at the 2014 British Grand Prix. Lella Lombardi remains the only woman to have finished in the points during an F1 race, achieving a sixth-place finish in the 1975 Spanish GP.

What is F1 Academy?

Launched by Formula 1 in November 2022, F1 Academy focuses on preparing female drivers for more advanced levels of competition. The framework of the Academy is structured to provide ample track time, competitive racing, and technical support, encompassing physical and mental preparation. The ultimate goal is to equip these drivers with the experiences necessary to transition to Formula 3 and ultimately pursue opportunities in Formula 2 and Formula 1.

Leading the initiative is Susie Wolff, who draws from her past experiences as a development driver for Williams F1.

What car is utilized in F1 Academy?

All competitors in the F1 Academy race in uniform vehicles, specifically the Tatuus T421 chassis, which is also employed in Formula 4. These cars are powered by turbocharged engines from Autotecnica, generating 174 horsepower, and are fitted with Pirelli tyres, enabling a top speed of 240 kph (149 mph).

Recap of the 2024 Season

During the previous season, Abbi Pulling claimed nine victories out of 14 races, completing a remarkable campaign by finishing on the podium for every event. She dominated the championship with a 121-point lead over her nearest competitor, Doriane Pin. Despite winning the first race of the season, Pin struggled with an injury that affected her subsequent performances. Maya Weug finished third overall and secured a spectacular victory during the season finale held in Abu Dhabi.

Drivers and Teams for 2025

The 2025 F1 Academy season features six teams — ART, Campos, Rodin Carlin, MP Motorsport, Prema, and newcomer Hitech — each entering three cars for a total of 18 drivers on the grid. Each of these teams has a track record of fostering young talent, with notable alumni including Lewis Hamilton and George Russell from ART, and Charles Leclerc and Mick Schumacher from Prema. With Abbi Pulling transitioning to the GB3 Championship and the inaugural champion Marta Garcia moving to sportscars, a new champion is guaranteed this year.

Among the contenders, Doriane Pin is anticipated to be a leading candidate, closely challenged by Maya Weug. Returning drivers include Chloe Chambers, Aurelia Nobels, Lia Block, and Tina Hausmann, alongside new full-time competitor Ella Lloyd.

F1 Academy 2025 Driver Line-Up

F1 Academy 2025 Calendar

This season, F1 Academy will take place alongside Formula 1 races, comprising seven rounds. The series will kick off in Shanghai during the Chinese Grand Prix weekend from March 21-23, followed by events in Jeddah on April 18-20. The teams will then travel to North America for races in Miami on May 1-3 and a debut venue in Montreal from June 13-15. The only European race this season is scheduled for Zandvoort on August 29-31, before returning to Singapore for another round on October 3-5. The season will conclude with two races in Las Vegas on November 20-22.

F1 Academy 2025 Calendar

F1 Academy Weekend Format

Each race weekend will incorporate a minimum of five sessions, beginning with the first practice session on Friday morning. This will be followed by Qualifying or another practice session later that day. A new feature for 2025 includes a reverse grid race for the first event, where the top eight qualifiers will have their positions swapped for the starting grid, while those qualifying ninth through 18th will maintain their positions for both races. Race 2 will occur Sunday morning, starting in the order determined by the Qualifying results.

F1 Academy Points System

In terms of scoring, two points will be awarded for achieving pole position, and one point for the fastest lap during a race, contingent on finishing in the top eight for Race 1 or the top ten for Race 2. The reverse grid race will offer points only to the top eight finishers, with a distribution of 10-8-6-5-4-3-2-1. Conversely, Race 2 will utilize the same points allocation as Formula 1, distributing points to the top ten finishers in the amounts of 25-18-15-12-10-8-6-4-2-1.

Sky Sports F1’s Live Chinese GP Schedule

Thursday March 20

5am: Drivers’ Press Conference
Friday March 21
1am: F1 Academy Practice
3am: Chinese GP Practice (session starts at 3:30 am)*
5:30am: Team Principals’ Press Conference
6am: F1 Academy Qualifying*
6:45am: Chinese GP Sprint Qualifying (session starts at 7:30 am)*
Saturday March 22
2:25am: Chinese GP Sprint build-up*
3am: Chinese GP Sprint*
5:45am: F1 Academy Race 1*
6:35am: Chinese GP Qualifying build-up*
7am: CHINESE GP QUALIFYING*
9am: Ted’s Qualifying Notebook*
Sunday March 23
2:40am: F1 Academy Race 2*
5:30am: Chinese GP build-up: Grand Prix Saturday*
7am: THE CHINESE GRAND PRIX*
9am: Chinese GP reaction: Chequered flag*
10am: Ted’s Notebook*
*Also live on Sky Sports Main Event

This weekend, the F1 Academy heads to Shanghai for the first Sprint weekend of the season at the Chinese Grand Prix, live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports with NOW – No contract, cancel anytime

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www.skysports.com