F1 Academy driver Abbi Pulling makes history in British F4
F1 Academy driver Abbi Pulling has made history this weekend, becoming the first female driver to win a British F4 race. The 21-year-old driver has received praise for her performance across social media.
Pulling led from lights out to finish, after starting on pole position at Brands Hatch this weekend. This follows her double victory in Miami in the all-female F1 Academy championship.
Despite not winning a race in the female championship last year, the British driver has secured seven podiums since across the academy and British F4. Speaking on ITV Motorsport she said: "I competed in this championship a couple of years ago, and my aim was to, you know, break that record and be the first female to stand on the top step, so I have finally done it coming back, and it has just been an incredible weekend so far."
How did the internet react?
Across social media, Pulling received praise for her peformance. Sky Sports F1 presenter Natalie Pinkham was one of the first to congratulate the 21-year-old on her win. She also recieved congratulations from F1 Analyst Bernie Collins, and F1 Academy itself.
Magnificent moment in history well done @AbbiPulling https://t.co/cimTTh0nHr
— Natalie Pinkham (@NataliePinkham) May 12, 2024
Massive congrats to @AbbiPulling and team winning in British F4. What an achievement! #winning https://t.co/SaaElCVdHp
— Bernie Collins (@bernie_collins1) May 12, 2024
Abbi makes history!
— F1 Academy (@f1academy) May 12, 2024
Coming fresh from her double F1 Academy win in Miami, @AbbiPulling has become the first female @BritishF4 race winner
Abbi is paving the way for aspiring female racing drivers by showcasing her skill in a mixed gender racing series that sees fierce… pic.twitter.com/JcgI3GGk4Y
ABBI PULLING WINS @AbbiPulling commanded Race 2 of @BritishF4, taking a stellar victory - her first in the championship.
— Females in Motorsport (@FemalesinMSport) May 12, 2024
Mega work, Abbi #WomenInMotorsport pic.twitter.com/coKCNy9cTP