P1racenews AI automatic summary:
With all 10 Formula 1 teams now involved and both races and qualifying live-streamed, the spotlight on the all-female F1 Academy feeder series has never been bigger. Here are our main takeaways from the opening round at the Saudi Arabian GP
F1 Academy’s first full-time season on the Formula 1 support bill began in Jeddah with clear favorites emerging and a post-race controversy shaking up the title fight. All 10 F1 teams are now involved, with races and qualifying live-streamed for free on YouTube and X, shining a spotlight on the all-female feeder series like never before. The standout of the opening round on the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix undercard was Mercedes protege Doriane Pin, who initially appeared to secure back-to-back victories in both races despite a mishap. Due to a misunderstanding and radio communication issues, Pin unknowingly continued racing after completing the chequered flag lap, resulting in a penalty that dropped her from first to ninth in Race 2. This incident has sparked debate over the severity of the penalty and its impact on the early title race, raising questions about the handling of similar situations in the future. Despite the setback, Pin’s dominant performance throughout the weekend, including claiming pole position by a significant margin, solidifies her status as a top contender and signals a promising season ahead for F1 Academy.
