Photo: Formula Motorsport Ltd
F1 Academy champion Abbi Pulling has split from the Alpine Formula 1 team as she prepares to race in GB3 with Rodin this year.
Rodin Motorsport officially confirmed Pulling’s GB3 move on Friday, something that had already been anticipated since last November when it unveiled a fully-funded drive for the winner of the 2024 F1 Academy title when she was on course to be crowned champion.
Pulling had raced for the team in both of her F1 Academy seasons and in a partial British Formula 4 campaign last year, and she has also now become an ambassador for Rodin Cars, the sportscar manufacturer of team owner David Dicker.
Later on Friday, Pulling revealed she had taken the decision not to continue her relationship with Alpine, one that preceded her participation in F1 Academy, having joined the Alpine Academy as an ‘affiliate’ member at the start of 2022.
Her long-time mentor Alice Powell has a history with Enstone going back to her own junior single-seater career, and in 2022 she took on the role of Talent Identification and Development Mentor for the Alpine Academy.
“After our championship-winning season in F1 Academy and after lengthy discussions I have decided not to renew with the BWT Alpine Formula One Team,” Pulling said.
“A huge thank you to everyone at the team, from those at the factory to the incredible partners and sponsors, for all their support along the way. I’ve met some amazing people and made memories that will stay with me forever.”
Pulling is not the first high-profile departure from the Alpine Academy at the start of this year, with Formula 2 star Victor Martins also no longer part of its line-up.
Thanking Pulling, Alpine posted: “We’re so proud of all that you have achieved during your time with us. It has been amazing to see you grow and develop, and we wish you the best of luck for the future and will continue to closely follow your progress.”