Major changes to F1 Academy’s weekend schedule
F1 Academy will reintroduce reversed-grid races in 2025 as part of a major revamp to the series’ sporting regulations that also saw the grid expanded to 18 cars.
The makeup of an F1 Academy weekend will look very similar to last year, with one or two free practice sessions, qualifying and two races.
For 2025, qualifying will still set both grids, but race one will see the top eight drivers reversed for the start. The rest of the grid will line up as they qualified.
The points format for race one will also change, with the top eight drivers scoring and the fastest of those receiving an extra point.
It’s hoped that a return to a reversed grid format will reinvigorate the battle at the front, following a 2024 season largely dominated by Abbi Pulling.
“The change will also challenge and develop our drivers’ race craft,” F1 Academy Competition Manager, Delphine Biscaye, said. “And prepare them to progress up the motorsport ladder, where reverse grids are a mainstay in the weekend format.”
It’ll also open the door for more drivers to experience racing at the sharp end, creating a more rounded opportunity for the F1 Academy grid to hone their craft in single seaters.
Race two will remain unchanged from last season, with two points awarded for pole position, and the top ten finishers scoring, with a bonus point for fastest lap.
The 2025 season will be a huge opportunity for the likes of Doriane Pin and Maya Weug to follow in the footsteps of Abbi Pulling and earn themselves a step up the ladder, but their job has been made more difficult with this latest development. F1 Academy organisers will be hoping this change will energise the racing action as the fastest drivers battle towards the front.
The 2025 F1 Academy season gets underway as part of the support programme for the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai on 21st-23rd March. The seven-round season will then head to Jeddah, Miami, Montreal, Zandvoort and Singapore, begore finishing up in Las Vegas in November.
Image courtesy of Getty Images.
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