Doriane Pin claimed victory in the second race of the F1 Academy season on March 23, 2025, at the Shanghai International Circuit, solidifying her position as a leading contender in the ongoing championship. The race was filled with drama, with multiple Safety Car deployments and a series of collisions that added to the excitement.
Starting from pole position was Maya Weug, the Dutch racer backed by Ferrari, but her lead was short-lived. Pin, who races for Mercedes, made a remarkable move on the first lap after a rolling start behind the Safety Car due to oil droplets detected on the track from a previous race. As they approached Turn 1, Pin outmaneuvered Weug, seizing the lead by Turn 3, a decisive moment that set the tone for the rest of the race.
The race did not get off without complications. Early laps portrayed chaos when drivers Tina Hausmann and Nina Gademan collided, initiating a chain reaction that affected several competitors, including Joanne Ciconte and Aurelia Nobels, who subsequently retired from the race. Following the incident, the Safety Car was deployed, halting the action and forcing teams to strategize under controlled conditions.
Once the race resumed on Lap 5, Doriane Pin extended her lead to half a second over Weug, showcasing her control of the race. Behind them, the battle for the third podium spot heated up. In the closing stages of the race, Chloe Chambers dashed past Alba Larsen in a striking overtaking maneuver. This battle for third underscored the growing competitiveness in the F1 Academy, with both drivers eager to capitalize on each other's mistakes.
Notably, Alba Larsen earned the title of best rookie with an impressive fourth-place finish, reaffirming her potential in this highly competitive environment. The top ten finishers were rounded out by Emma Felbermayer, Alisha Palmowski, and Ella Lloyd, with Nina Gademan showcasing resilience by recovering to secure a tenth-place finish despite an early setback.
Following the finish, Doriane Pin enthusiastically expressed her triumph: “Winning today feels incredible after a challenging season start. Every position in this championship is crucial, and I intend to give my best at every race.” With this victory, Pin accumulated 30 points, which grants her a slight lead in the championship standings against Weug, who secured 24 points, leaving her just one point behind Pin. Chambers, with her impressive performance here too, took home 23 points, keeping the race for the championship tight as they advance to the next round.
The F1 Academy will continue its exciting season with the next event scheduled at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit in Saudi Arabia from April 18-20, 2025. This high-speed track is expected to further shake up the championship standings and promises thrilling races as these talented women continue to push the limits of motorsport.
