The third season of the F1 Academy is taking a break before diving into the final three race weekends of the 2025 campaign.
With a new two-day test session at Circuit Zandvoort, where the next F1 Academy race will occur, teams are gearing up for this crucial final stretch of the season.
Here are five key stories to keep an eye on.
Will there be another first-time winner?
Last season saw four drivers snag their first wins: Abbi Pulling, Doriane Pin, Maya Weug, and Chloe Chambers.
This time around, three drivers have already tasted victory: Alisha Palmowski, Ella Lloyd, and Emma Felbermayr. With three races this weekend and six overall in the season, could another driver break through for their first win?
Several contenders seem ready to take that leap. The next race is scheduled for the Dutch Grand Prix at the end of August, following a two-day test at Circuit Zandvoort. One driver to watch is Weug, who clocked in as the third fastest during testing. Perhaps she could finally claim her first victory.
Nina Gademan also deserves a mention. She’s entering the latter half of the season in eighth place, having just secured a couple of podium finishes at the Canadian Grand Prix—her first podiums in this series.
How high can Ella Lloyd climb?
McLaren’s Ella Lloyd marked her first F1 Academy win at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Following a trio of second-place finishes at the Canadian Grand Prix, she now sits fourth in the standings, just behind Pin, Chambers, and Wigg.
Lloyd has accumulated 67 points so far, with Weug earning five for third and Chambers adding 22 for her second-place finish. Pin is in the lead with 109 points.
Can this rookie continue to ascend in the second half of the season? Her performance during the recent Zandvoort test was strong, so a good showing at the Dutch Grand Prix could really set her up for a competitive finish.
Can Campos catch Prema?
In team championships, having a driver lead the standings is definitely advantageous.
That’s what Prema is benefiting from this season.
Leading the team championship with 178 points, Prema secured 27 points thanks to Pin, who has been impressive. Alongside her, the team also features Gademan and Tina Hausman. Gademan’s podium finishes in Montreal have helped her to eighth place, while Hausman has rebounded well after a rough start.
Campos is trailing but still in a solid position, with both Chambers and Palmowski scoring points this season. Rafaela Ferreira had a challenging weekend in Montreal, finishing outside the points in all three races, though she started the season strong with finishes of fifth and eighth in Saudi Arabia.
The F1 Academy heads to Sin City
Wrapping up the 2025 F1 Academy season will take place in one of the most famous cities worldwide.
Las Vegas.
While the Las Vegas Grand Prix was added for the 2023 season, it has only featured F1 races in previous years.
This year is different, as the F1 Academy will also be racing in Las Vegas, making it an exciting close to the season with its inaugural single-seater support race at the new street circuit.
Susie Wolff, managing director of the F1 Academy, noted that this change is a “proof of the wealth of support” the series has received from F1 and Liberty Media.
“Ending the season in Las Vegas will be an iconic moment,” she stated when the calendar was revealed last November.
Who will claim the driver championship?
Which driver from the F1 Academy will lift the championship trophy in Las Vegas?
Currently, Doriane Pin is leading with 109 points, followed by Chloe Chambers with 89, Maya Wigg at 72, and Ella Lloyd at 67.
Alisha Palmowski rounds out the top five with 53 points.
Pin appears to be a favorite for the championship, having enjoyed strong podium finishes, particularly at the Singapore Grand Prix—site of the penultimate race.
But don’t overlook Weug. She topped the timing sheets during her test at Zandvoort and could definitely be a contender at the Dutch Grand Prix, which might keep her in title contention.
Whichever way it goes, the Formula 1 Academy season finale in Las Vegas promises to be thrilling.
