Garcia crowned inaugural F1 Academy champion

Marta Garcia secured on Saturday at the Circuit of the Americas the inaugural championship in the F1 Academy's all-female series.

The 23-year-old Spanish driver claimed the title during the first race of the championship's final weekend in Austin.

The series made its debut on the Formula 1 support program this weekend, with all sessions being broadcast live for the first time on F1 TV.

From 2024, all seven rounds of the championship will be conducted as support races within the Formula 1 calendar. Additionally, all ten Formula 1 teams will enhance their involvement by supporting one driver each in the F4 spec series.

• Read also: F1 Academy joins F1 support bill for seven races in 2024

Garcia maintained her pole position to capture victory in Saturday's event, successfully repelling a late challenge from Alpine junior Abi Pulling.

With Garcia merely needing to finish in the top three, it became mathematically impossible for Lena Buhler to bridge the points gap in the final two races.

It was Garcia's seventh win of the season, resulting in Prema clinching their maiden Formula 1 Academy title.

“I’m so emotional right now, I was crying in the car,” Garcia said after returning to the pitlane.

“Super happy with the win in the championship, with my team Prema, and all of the hard work we’ve been doing through the season.

“It’s great, and I’m just really, really out of words.”

F1 Academy managing director Susie Wolff praised Garcia for her unwavering consistency over the season.

“She drove a great race, but actually over the season, she’s just been very impressive,” said Wolff.

“She’s obviously had more experience than the other drivers, but she’s capitalised on that.

“I’m really excited to see where she goes from here because we’re going to be putting our full support behind her to make sure that she carries on and progresses up the ladder.”

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