Abbi Pulling, the 2024 F1 Academy champion, expressed her desire to be eight years old again to take full advantage of the growing opportunities for young female drivers. Despite being 21 when she won the title in the all-female racing series, the average age of racers is decreasing. Joanne Ciconte raced at 16 in 2025, while Lisa Billard is currently competing at the same age in the current season.
According to Racers Behind the Helmet, the average age of drivers in F1 Academy has progressively decreased from 20.6 years in 2023 to 20.3 in 2024, 19.35 in 2025, and 18.8 in 2026. Pulling, in conversation with Feeder Series, mentioned, “The average age is getting lower and lower, which is great. It’s great to get that experience at a young age.”
Having herself competed in the W Series at 18 and 19, Pulling acknowledged the advantages of exposure to a major stage at a young age. She admires the current generation of 15 and 16-year-olds for starting their racing careers early. Reflecting on this trend, she expressed, “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.”
Following her championship win in F1 Academy, the 23-year-old driver transitioned into the GB3 Championship and now serves as the rookie and simulator driver for the Nissan Formula E Team. Pulling appreciated the approach taken by Nissan in focusing on simulator training and providing opportunities for rookie sessions to gain real experience in the Formula E car. This innovative training method has proven to be effective in her continued development as a competitive driver.
