2024 F1 Academy champion Abbi Pulling has said that she wishes she could be eight years old again to make the most of the increasing number of opportunities for young, female drivers.
While the Briton was 21 when she was crowned champion of the all-female racing series, which is the equivalent to Formula 4-level competition, the average age of racers is decreasing. For example, Joanne Ciconte raced at 16 in 2025, and Lisa Billard is competing at the same age this season.
According to Racers Behind the Helmet, the average age of drivers in F1 Academy has dropped from 20.6 years in its inaugural season in 2023 to 20.3 in 2024, 19.35 in 2025 and 18.8 in 2026.
“The average age is getting lower and lower, which is great. It’s great to get that experience at a young age,” Pulling told Feeder Series.
“Of course, I competed in W Series when I was 18, 19, so that put me in front of a big stage at a young age. And these girls are doing it at 15, 16 now, so it’s even more [of] a younger age to develop and learn.
“They’re a step ahead. I always say I wish I was eight years old again, as it would be great to be on that kind of trajectory… Now, when you think of it, 14-year-olds, it’s insane.
“But [it’s] such an exciting landscape, and the future is bright and the future is exciting, and I just wish everyone the best and hope they can get through the male-dominated sport that we’re living in.”
Second place Abbi Pulling, Rodin Motorsport celebrates on the podium
Photo by: Joe Portlock / Motorsport Images
Since graduating from F1 Academy after her championship win, the 23-year-old driver has raced in the GB3 Championship and serves as the rookie and simulator driver for the Nissan Formula E Team.
“I think what Nissan are doing with me, focusing a lot on the simulator and then putting me in for these rookie sessions, is a really great way to learn,” Pulling added.
“It’s not a driver academy, but [it’s] the only way you can really train someone up in the Formula E car and get actual experience.”
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