With the 2025 F1 season coming to a close, teams make their final U.S.-stop in Las Vegas this weekend. Supporting the Grand Prix will be the female-only F1 Academy, making its last appearance of 2025.
What has been Happening in F1 Lately?
Two weeks ago, at the Brazilian Grand Prix, we witnessed some controversial penalties issued by FIA stewards to Lewis Hamilton and Oscar Piastri. Both drivers have had challenging seasons: Hamilton has been frustrated by the inconsistent performance of the Ferrari, while Piastri has suffered a downturn after the summer break, losing the Championship lead to teammate Lando Norris. Adding to Piastri’s struggles, the so-called “Papaya rules” have seemingly favored Norris, to the detriment of the Australian. Questions have also been raised about McLaren’s role, with CEO Zak Brown having been involved in Norris’ junior career since 2015, fueling speculation that the McLaren team may favor the Brit over Piastri.
Brazil highlighted the shortcomings of the revised FIA rules, with Piastri receiving a 10-second penalty despite trying to avoid contact with youngster Kimi Antonelli, who turned into Piastri and subsequently collided with Leclerc’s Ferrari. Fellow drivers and Leclerc himself called the penalty “ridiculous.” Hamilton was also penalized, receiving 5 seconds for minor contact, which caused his Ferrari to pit with front wing and floor damage. Both drivers spoke out against the FIA rules, which leave almost no room for interpretation - even with two ex-F1 drivers, Luciano Burti and Pedro Lamy, on the stewards’ panel.
F1 Academy has a Championship Battle of Its Own
Meanwhile, F1 Academy has seen an even closer fight than F1 in its final races. Drivers Doriane Pin (Mercedes) and Maya Weug (Scuderia Ferrari) are battling for the Championship. Pin holds a slim 9-point lead, leaving no room for error, while Spaniard Weug will be on “maximum attack.”
Click to join the F1 Academy community here.
The race for third place is equally fierce, featuring Britain’s Ella Lloyd (McLaren), the USA’s Chloe Chambers (Red Bull Ford), and Britain’s Alisha Palmowski (Red Bull). The Championship has been anything but boring – with reverse grids in Race One each weekend often shaking up the standings.
The prize for the Champion is a Regional Formula 3 ride next season, a major step in advancing a driver’s career. Reigning 2024 F1 Academy Champion Abbi Pulling has already seen success in British F3 and was the fastest rookie in a recent Formula E test, earning a multi-year test and simulator role with Nissan.
Vegas, Make Some Noise!
No shortage of excitement awaits this weekend, with both series potentially crowning champions. While F1 Academy is set to crown a female champion, F1 may also see its all-male (so far) grid deliver a new title winner.
Here’s what would need to happen for soon-to-be 26-year-old Norris or 24-year-old Piastri to take the 2025 F1 Championship in Las Vegas:
Reigning World Champion Max Verstappen and recent father (the old man of the threesome at age 28), has no chance in Vegas, but he could still clinch the Championship at the final race in Qatar – making it 5 Championships in a row.
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