2024 F1 Academy champion Abbi Pulling makes history with first GB3 Championship race win

2024 F1 Academy champion Abbi Pulling has made history, becoming the first female driver to win a GB3 Championship race.

The British driver successfully converted a historic pole position into a commanding lights-to-flag victory at Spa-Francorchamps. Following persistent heavy rain that forced the race to be rescheduled, Pulling lined up in P1 approximately five hours later. 

Reflecting on the major milestone, Pulling explained after the race: "I had to work for it, and there's some sore points that I've had from Silverstone. My race starts being one, and I absolutely nailed it. I just can't thank the team enough. Can't thank everyone around me. I've got so many people around me."

She added: "I was just happy I got racing, happy I got the result, and I tried really hard. I know the boys are on different downforce levels to us. So, I knew I really had to make a difference in that middle sector, and it paid off, to say the least. 

"I'm absolutely over the moon. I always say I want to get placed on merit, and just show that I can compete at the front no matter what, no matter the competition, and I've done that today, and I can't thank the team, Rodin Motorsport, Rodin Cars, all my sponsors.

"I've had a few people come on board this weekend. I can't thank them all, 'cause there are too many. But everyone who's helped me knows that this thanks is to them."

Not only is this a major moment in Pulling's career, but it is also a big moment for F1 Academy. Pulling drove in the all-female racing series in 2023 and 2024. She earned a fully funded seat in the GB3 Championship with Rodin Motorsport for the 2025 season after winning the F1 Academy drivers' championship in 2024.