The F1 Academy 2025 Season Kicks Off in Shanghai – What to Watch For
Ladies and gentlemen, get ready, because the 2025 F1 Academy season is officially kicking off in Shanghai, and it’s set to be an electrifying opener! With fresh talent, fierce rivalries, and exciting rule changes, there’s plenty to watch out for as we embark on another thrilling season of elite female racing.
One of the biggest storylines this season is the battle between the rookies and the returnees. Out of the 17 full-time drivers on the grid, 10 are rookies making their debut in single-seaters. They’ll be eager to prove themselves and make a strong first impression. Some familiar names are also back, ready to stake their claim on the title. Doriane Pin, last year’s Vice Champion, will be aiming to take that final step and secure the championship for Mercedes, while Maya Weug returns in Ferrari colors after finishing third in 2024. And let’s not forget Chloe Chambers, Lia Block, Aurelia Nobels, and Tina Hausmann, who are all back for a second shot at glory. The competition is going to be fierce!
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But that’s not all—the 2025 season also welcomes a brand-new team to the grid. Hitech TGR is making its F1 Academy debut, and while they may be the underdogs, they’ve got some exciting talent lined up. Nicole Havrda and Aiva Anagnostiadis will be representing the team, and they’ll be looking to make an impact early on. Plus, the home crowd will have an extra reason to cheer as China’s own Shi Wei becomes the first Chinese driver to race in the series. With limited practice time before qualifying, Hitech will need to hit the ground running and adapt quickly to Shanghai’s technical circuit.
Another major shake-up for 2025 is the return of reverse grid races. This format was absent last year, but now it’s back, making it even tougher for the fastest drivers to dominate. In Race 1, the top eight qualifiers will have their positions reversed, forcing them to fight their way through the pack. It adds an extra layer of unpredictability and ensures that every driver has a shot at victory. With a revised points system emphasizing outright performance in Race 2, strategy and racecraft will be more crucial than ever.
And of course, we can’t ignore the powerhouse team on the grid—PREMA Racing. They’ve dominated the Teams’ Championship for two consecutive seasons, and they’re aiming for a third. With Doriane Pin, Tina Hausmann, and Nina Gademan behind the wheel, they’ve got a strong lineup, but their rivals won’t make it easy. Campos Racing, MP Motorsport, and ART Grand Prix are all looking to bounce back after an underwhelming 2024, while Rodin Motorsport—who helped Abbi Pulling secure the Drivers’ Championship last year—will be eager to stay on top.
So, what’s the schedule looking like for the season opener? It all kicks off with Free Practice on Friday morning, followed by Qualifying in the afternoon. Saturday will bring the first reverse grid race of the season, and then on Sunday, just before the Chinese Grand Prix, we’ll see Race 2—the all-out battle for maximum points.
With a bigger grid, fresh talent, and new challenges, the 2025 F1 Academy season is shaping up to be the most exciting one yet. Will the rookies rise to the occasion? Can anyone dethrone PREMA Racing? And how will the return of reverse grids shake up the standings? We’re about to find out. Buckle up—it’s going to be an epic ride!
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