Gosberton racing star Abbi Pulling is to compete with the F1 Academy in 2023 ahead of a planned move into F3 the following year.
While racing for the Rodin Carlin team in the championship, she’s also set to become a part of the F1 Alpine team’s academy whose car she drove around Silverstone before the last British Grand Prix.
Pulling moves to F1 Academy following a season in W Series in which she claimed two podiums and two fastest laps. The 19-year-old racer racked up four top five finishes from seven race starts and finished fourth overall. In 2021, Pulling completed a part programme in W Series and raced in the F4 British Championship where she also took three podiums.
Former members of the Rodin Carlin team include Lando Norris.
Speaking about joining the team for the new series, Pulling said: “It is great to be competing in the first season of the F1 Academy, especially to be working with such a successful team as Rodin Carlin. Having spent time with the team before, I can’t wait to get the season started, working alongside some incredible people. I have lots of trust in them and know they will push me to be the best I can be.
“I’m very thankful for the continued support of the Alpine Academy for a second season and the great work of Gazing Performance and Alice Powell behind the scenes.
“I’m also excited to welcome My First Alert who are supporting my programme for the first time this year.”
Team principal Stephanie Carlin added: “We’re delighted to welcome Abbi to the team for this first season of F1 Academy. Our paths have crossed in the past before and Abbi is a driver we’ve wanted to work with for some time now.
“We’re really excited that we are able to work on this programme together and have no doubt that Abbi will be a huge asset to the team.
“Thank you to the Alpine Academy for entrusting us with this next stage of Abbi’s career.
“We can’t wait to get on track.”
Designed to help accelerate the progress of women racers through the junior single-seater ladder towards Formula 1, just 15 drivers will take part in the 2023 F1 Academy.
Five teams also competing in the Formula 3 and Formula 2 Championships will field the drivers, who will take part in three races per weekend with seven rounds providing plenty of track time for drivers.
Pulling’s mentor Powell tweeted: “Although people may think it’s a step backwards for Abbi, there are plans in the pipeline to make the jump to F3 in 2024.
“There’s still a long way to go though (£££), however, Abbi works incredibly hard on and off the track and is working alongside a fab team at Rodin Carlin.”
