Doriane Pin inches closer to F1 Academy title after Vegas win

©Mercedes

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©Mercedes

Mercedes protégé Doriane Pin inched closer to the 2025 F1 Academy crown with a dramatic victory in Race 1 in Las Vegas, her fourth of the season. Nina Gademan and Alisha Palmowski completed the podium in a wet, chaotic opener.

The drama started before the lights went out. Polesitter Gademan required a last-minute front wing change, while title rival Maya Weug and Aston Martin’s Tina Hausman collided on the formation lap, sending Weug out before the race began.

Once racing resumed, Alba Larsen briefly challenged for the lead with a stunning outside pass at Turn 10, only to spin after brushing the wall. McLaren’s Ella Lloyd also brought out the Safety Car after sliding into the barrier, keeping the tension high.

Pin made her decisive move on Gademan along The Strip on Lap 9, taking control before the braking zone and holding on as the Safety Car returned to the track. Palmowski claimed third after a late clash with Chloe Chambers, who retired.

With Prema securing the Teams’ title for the third year running and Pin taking the fastest lap point, Doriane heads into Saturday’s finale with a 20-point lead over Weug, starting fourth, just ahead of her rival.

Momentum and the championship are firmly in her hands.

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.