F1 Academy's Newest Open-Wheel Star Loses Race in Weirdest Way Ever

The second season of the F1 Academy kicked off in Jeddah and the all-female single-seater category has strengthened its ties with Formula 1 this season, as each team is affiliated with a driver, and all rounds will take part at Formula 1 Grand Prix.

The exit of inaugural champion Marta Garcia means there will be a new name on the season-championship trophy come the end of the season, and it was Mercedes hotshot Doriane Pin who dominated the first weekend.

Pin claimed pole position and won both races—though there was a cruel ending to the second race. Pin did not realize Race 2 had ended and continued pushing for a lap, taking the checkered flag twice. Her mistake led to her to incur a 20-second time penalty.

Alpine’s Abbi Pulling thus inherited the victory and with it the championship lead. It was a very harsh penalty imposed on Pin, who underlined her star quality on-track.