Formula Friday: The F1 Academy – Rising Stars and Their 2025 Potential

The 2024 F1 Academy season has introduced us to an incredible roster of young talent, showing that the future of motorsport is bright and diverse. With the series providing a platform for female drivers to shine, some names have emerged as future stars of Formula 1 and its feeder series. Let’s take a look at the top performers and speculate where they could land in the 2025 season. (Names have been linked to their Instagram profiles).

1. Marta García (Spain)

Currently leading the charge in the F1 Academy, Marta García’s performances in 2024 have been nothing short of spectacular. The Spanish driver has showcased her exceptional racecraft, consistently taking wins and podiums throughout the season. García, who previously competed in the W Series, has proven herself as a dominant force.

As for 2025, García could easily find herself in a competitive Formula 3 seat or even as a test driver for an F1 team. With her natural talent and strong work ethic, she is quickly making her way up the motorsport ladder.

2. Abbi Pulling (UK)

Abbi Pulling has been a well-known name in junior categories, and in 2024 she’s been a standout performer in the F1 Academy. Her aggressive yet controlled driving style has caught the eye of many, and her history in the W Series adds to her experience and credibility.

Pulling’s 2025 season could see her moving up to Formula 3, where she would be a serious contender. Her ambition and relentless pursuit of improvement make her one to watch as she continues to build momentum.

3. Hamda Al Qubaisi (UAE)

Hamda Al Qubaisi, part of the renowned Al Qubaisi racing family, has shown impressive growth in the 2024 F1 Academy season. With multiple podium finishes and solid racecraft, she’s demonstrated her ability to compete at the highest levels of junior motorsport. Her performance in previous championships, including Formula 4, highlights her potential.

Looking ahead to 2025, Al Qubaisi could make the jump to Formula 3 or potentially even Formula 2. With the backing of her family and a track record of steady improvement, her future in motorsport looks promising.

4. Léna Bühler (Switzerland)

Léna Bühler has made a name for herself with her strong performances in the F1 Academy. Known for her technical proficiency and consistency, Bühler is another driver whose stock has risen significantly in 2024. She’s shown a knack for staying calm under pressure and delivering results, making her a consistent points scorer.

In 2025, we could see Bühler taking on new challenges in Formula 3, where her racecraft and consistency would make her a formidable competitor. With continued development, she could be a dark horse in the fight for a top-tier seat in the coming years.

5. Bianca Bustamante (Philippines)

Bianca Bustamante, a rising star from the Philippines, has had a breakthrough year in the 2024 F1 Academy. Her performances have gained attention, and she has shown the resilience and determination needed to succeed in the sport. Bustamante’s tenacity on track and her ability to learn quickly have marked her as a future star.

If she continues on her upward trajectory, Bustamante could secure a seat in Formula 3 or a role as a development driver in 2025. With Southeast Asia increasingly becoming a key market for F1, having a talent like Bustamante rise through the ranks could be a big win for the region.

The Road to 2025: What’s Next for These Stars?

The 2024 F1 Academy season has provided a glimpse of the incredible talent on the horizon, and the 2025 season could see many of these drivers take on bigger challenges in Formula 3 or even Formula 2. With F1 teams paying closer attention to diversity and female representation in motorsport, it’s likely that some of these drivers will get a shot at test roles or development opportunities with F1 teams.

As we look toward 2025, Marta García and Abbi Pulling are perhaps the most likely candidates to make the jump to higher tiers, but drivers like Hamda Al Qubaisi and Bianca Bustamante are right on their heels. F1 Academy’s mission to provide a platform for female drivers is clearly paying off, as these young talents are ready to take the next step in their careers.

With the motorsport world evolving, 2025 could mark a pivotal year for these rising stars as they aim for the top tiers of racing. Keep an eye on them—they’re the future of the sport.