Pulling ahead: F1 Academy title secured!

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Alpine protégé Abbi Pulling clinched the 2024 F1 Academy championship on Saturday night in Qatar, the Rodin Motorsport charger sealing the title with three races to spare after a stellar season of relentless podium finishes.

Despite finishing second in the opening race at Losail, Pulling’s consistency—11 podiums in as many races—secured her dominance.

Doriane Pin converted pole to victory, with Maya Weug taking third, but neither could challenge Pulling’s championship lead. Starting off the front row for the first time, Pulling swiftly overtook Weug to secure second, keeping Pin in sight but focusing on locking in the title.

As the chequered flag waved, Pulling’s remarkable season-long performance crowned her a worthy champion, cementing her place as a rising star in motorsport.

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.