In a thrilling display of talent at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, Ella Lloyd claimed her first victory in the F1 Academy series during Race 1 on Saturday, April 19, 2025. The McLaren driver showcased exceptional skill and composure, managing to fend off fierce competition from Maya Weug, who finished just 0.176 seconds behind her in a nail-biting finish.
Lloyd, starting from the front row after a strong qualifying session, quickly took the lead from her Rodin Motorsport teammate Emma Felbermayr at Turn 1. The early stages of the race saw Lloyd build a significant gap as she navigated the circuit with confidence. However, the race was interrupted by a Safety Car due to an incident involving Lia Block, who was hit from behind by Courtney Crone, resulting in damage to Chloe Chong's car and her subsequent retirement.
As the race resumed, Lloyd maintained her lead but faced an increasingly close challenge from Weug, who had moved up to second place after overtaking Alisha Palmowski. The tension escalated as the two drivers entered the final lap, with Weug closing in on Lloyd. In a dramatic showdown, Lloyd managed to hold off Weug's charge, crossing the finish line first, with Palmowski securing the final podium spot in third place.
Chloe Chambers, who had secured pole position for Race 2, finished in seventh place, while Nina Gademan rounded out the points in eighth. The race was marked by the competitive spirit of the drivers, reflecting the high stakes and intense rivalries that characterize the F1 Academy series.
Earlier in the day, qualifying had seen Chambers achieve her first pole position in the F1 Academy, clocking a time of 2m04.320s to outpace Prema’s Doriane Pin by 0.255 seconds. The qualifying session was filled with excitement, featuring multiple lead changes and a dramatic red flag caused by Lia Block's heavy crash after hitting the inside wall at the final turn.
In the preceding free practice session, Maya Weug had set the fastest time, signaling her intent for the weekend. The track conditions were challenging, with temperatures exceeding 50°C, but Weug managed to edge out her competitors, including Alisha Palmowski and Doriane Pin, who were also in contention for the top spots.
As the F1 Academy series progresses, the competition is heating up, with drivers vying for crucial championship points. The next race is set for Sunday, April 20, 2025, at 15:05 local time, where Chambers will look to convert her pole position into a win, while the others will aim to capitalize on their momentum from Race 1.
This weekend's events in Jeddah highlight the growing talent within the F1 Academy, as young drivers showcase their skills on an international stage. With thrilling races and fierce rivalries, the F1 Academy is quickly becoming a must-watch series for motorsport fans around the world.
As the dust settles on Race 1, all eyes will be on the grid for Race 2, where strategies will be tested, and the battle for supremacy will continue. Will Ella Lloyd be able to maintain her winning streak, or will another driver rise to the occasion? The excitement is palpable as the series heads into its next chapter.
