F1 Academy to race in Abu Dhabi for the first time as Pulling likely to re-claim championship title! Round 7 - Abu Dhabi preview

Credit: Pauline Ballet

Just like Formula One and FIA Formula 2, the F1 Academy championship is set to conclude this coming weekend at the Yas Marina Circuit, in Abu Dhabi, as Abbi Pulling looks to re-claim championship due to additional points available.

Pulling had originally claimed the championship in race 1 on Saturday in Qatar but she will need to try and clinch it again as following the race 2 being cancelled on Sunday, the race has been reinstated as a third to be run in Abu Dhabi. 

Instead of using the grid set in the Qatar qualifying for that weekend's race 2, there will be an additional two points for whichever driver takes pole for race three on Sunday. This therefore makes 84 points available with the three races remaining to be run across the weekend at the Yas Marina Circuit. The gap between Abbi Pulling and Doriane Pin in the championship is 83 points.

This means that Pulling just needs one championship point across the weekend to become champion, which is almost certain you would expect, given that she has been on the podium for ever single race out of the 11 so far and has won seven out of the 11.

In addition, the teams championship is still to be decided. Prema sit in a healthy position with a 28-point lead over Rodin Motorsport at the top of the standings and look likely to clinch it in the season's final round,

A look at the track: Round 7 - Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi

For the final piece of racing action in 2024, the F1 Academy Championship will descend on the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi with both championships set to be decided with this being the very first time F1 Academy will go racing around this iconic venue for a season finale.

It is not a circuit totally unfamiliar to the F1 Academy championship as a few days of mid-season testing took place around the circuit to get some experience under the belt of drivers who has never raced at the circuit before, which could be an aid for them as they head towards a season finale that will have the eyes of the Formula One world watching.

If the drivers perform well here in this final round where the eyes of the motorsport world will be watching, this could assist them in their futures as they look to pursue seats in other championships to continue their feeder series progression.

The Yas Marina Circuit is made up of 16 corners and has a lap distance of 5.281km which will present challenges for the drivers with long straights and different variations of corners. There are many overtaking opportunities around this circuit which the drivers may want to take advantage of. 

Unlike Formula One, no DRS is in use in the championship, but the best overtaking opportunities will still be in the DRS areas - on the run down to turns six and nine. 

There will be three races to come across the weekend, each lasting 14 laps each, which is roughly equal to 73.934km. As no F1 Academy racing has occured around the circuit prior to this weekend's round, there is no lap record.

Wildcard Entry - Logan Hannah

For the sixth time out of the seven rounds and for the final time this season, the F1 Academy championship will have an additional driver on the grid to make the total 16 drivers as there will be another wildcard entry taking to the track.

Following on from last weekend's Brit Alisha Palmowski, who was the wildcard entry in Qatar, this coming weekend's wildcard entry is Logan Hannah.

Hannah was born in Scotland, but this weekend will race under a UAE licence according to F1 Academy media. This follows her having spent 12 years of her live living in the country.

The 22-year old will be backed by Away, which is a leading luggage brand that had recently signed a partnership with the F1 Academy championship. They will support her throughout the weekend as Hannah will drive in a car with the Away-branded livery and Hannah will race the number 54 car.

Speaking to F1 Academy's media team, Hannah said: "This is an incredible opportunity for me to race on an unparalleled platform. As someone who loves to travel and experience new places, it's amazing to be supported by a brand like Away that not only celebrates exploration but is also dedicated to empowering women."

2024 F1 Academy Championship: Season Finale (Round 7) - Abu Dhabi session times

Track Time

• Free Practice 06/12: 09:50-10:30
• Qualifying 06/12: 18:35-19:05
• Race 1 07/12: 12:15-12:45
• Race 2 07/12: 20:15-20:45
• Race 3 08/12: 11:15-11:45

UK Time

• Free Practice 06/12: 05:50-06:30
• Qualifying 06/12: 14:35-15:05
• Race 1 07/12: 08:15-08:45
• Race 2 07/12: 16:15-16:45
• Race 3 07/12: 07:15-07:45

Brandon Whiteside
Writer & X Contributor - F1 Journal