Abbi Pulling, a 21-year-old racing driver from Lincolnshire, UK, is turning heads in the world of motorsport.
With her eyes set on becoming the next female Formula 1 driver, her journey has been full of impressive achievements and challenges.
Pulling’s story shows her passion, skill, and determination to succeed in a sport traditionally dominated by men.
| Year | Achievement |
|---|---|
| 2013 | Began karting at 9 years old, securing British Championship titles |
| 2018 | Won two British Championships (following Jenson Button’s path) |
| 2021 | First female winner of a British Formula 4 race at Brands Hatch |
| 2024 | F1 Academy Champion (secured in Qatar and reaffirmed in Abu Dhabi) |
Early Start and Breakthrough in Racing
Pulling fell in love with racing when she started karting at just nine years old. Her hard work and dedication quickly paid off, earning her two British Championship titles—a path once followed by Formula 1 legend Jenson Button.
As she moved into car racing, Pulling made history by becoming the first woman to win a British Formula 4 race, taking the victory at the famous Brands Hatch circuit.
Winning the F1 Academy
In 2024, Pulling reached a major milestone by winning the F1 Academy championship, a series designed to help female drivers rise in motorsport.
The path to her title wasn’t straightforward—she initially secured the championship in Qatar, but a schedule change meant she had to confirm her win in Abu Dhabi. Rising to the challenge, she claimed the title again, cementing her dominance in the series.
Training with Alpine and Future Plans
As a member of the Alpine Academy, Pulling benefits from professional training and resources to help her grow as a driver.
Her next goal is to compete in the GB3 series with Rodin Motorsport in 2025. From there, she plans to work her way up to Formula 3 and Formula 2, the final steps before reaching Formula 1.
Pulling is committed to breaking down barriers and proving that women can compete at the highest level in motorsport.
Challenges on the Path to Formula 1
Pulling understands the challenges that female drivers face in reaching Formula 1.
These include the physical demands of racing and the need for significant financial support.
She believes that the next female F1 driver will likely be in her mid-20s, as it takes time to gain experience and develop the physical strength required for the sport.
Despite these hurdles, Pulling is optimistic, pointing to the growing support for women in motorsport.