A trip to the Dutch seaside awaits: F1 Academy Round 4 preview

The all-female racing championship returns to the track this weekend for Round 4 in Zandvoort.

The Netherlands is the fourth stop on this year’s F1 Academy calendar and also marks the start of the second-half of the season. 

Doriane Pin is recovering from injury, having missed FRECA and the 24 Hours of Le Mans

Last time here, current F1 Academy driver Hamda Al Qubaisi dominated on track and claimed the top step in Race 1 and Race 3 after topping the tables in FP1 and both qualifying sessions. Race 2 was won by Carrie Schreiner - both drivers will be looking to recreate their success this weekend. 

Ahead of this weekend’s racing actions, we’ve got all you need to know… 

The format of the weekend will involve the series’ standard qualifying session and two races - each 30 minutes long. But, this weekend there will be an additional Free Practice Session on the calendar. 

Be sure to check out all the track action this weekend, here are the timings you need (in local track time, CET): 

Friday 23rd August

Free Practice 1 - 10:10 - 10:50

Free Practice 2 - 17:30 - 18:00

Saturday 24th August 

Qualifying 1 - 10:15 - 10:45

Qualifying 2 - 10:15 - 10:45 

Race 1 - 17:05 - 17:35 

Sunday 25th August 

Race 2 - 10:40 - 11:10 

Unlike most motorsport circuits, Zandvoort is located by the Dutch seaside, offering a picturesque backdrop for the 4.259km circuit. Across 14 corners, the track includes challenging curves and dunes which all drivers will need to overcome. 

This weekend will be a home race for Red Bull Academy Driver, Emely de Heus who was also part of the inaugural F1 Academy line up. Last time here, Emely claimed a trip to the podium with P2 during the final race of the weekend. Emely is currently P12 in the drivers' standings with nine points to her name - she’ll be looking to add more this weekend. 

As we head into Round 4, Abbi Pulling is leading the pack with 147 points, with Mercedes junior Doriane Pin in P2 on 81 points. Positions P4 - P7 are split by just 12 points, and all drivers will be looking to extend their lead ahead of others. 

Abbi Pulling leads the way in the standings

Ferrari Driver Academy member Maya Weug will be looking to make moves on track after a tricky weekend in Barcelona with a penalty and unfortunate collisions. 

American driver Chloe Chambers achieved her first race win last time on track and will be hoping to repeat the victory in Zandvoort. 

In terms of the teams’ championship, Rodin Motorsport is at the top with 176 points, but Campos Racing and Prema Racing stand close behind with 153 and 146 points. 

The wild card entry is back this weekend and Nina Gademan will make her F1 Academy debut on home soil. Outside of this weekend, Nina competes in the British F4 Championship, where she is currently P20 in the standings. 

Nina will be driving a Female Quotient-liveried car, following their announcement of their new collaboration with F1 Academy. As part of the new collaboration, events will be held at future F1 Academy race locations for the remainder of the season to promote and encourage conversations around gender equality in the workplace. 

Check out the Females in Motorsport social channels across the weekend as we’ll be bringing you all the news, updates, and track actions live! 

All imagery is from F1 Academy Limited.