F1 Academy Finale: Las Vegas to Crown a Champion in Thrilling Title Battle

The 2025 F1 Academy titles will be decided this weekend in Las Vegas, with all eyes on Doriane Pin and Maya Weug as they battle for the Drivers’ Championship. Pin currently holds a narrow nine-point lead over Weug, setting the stage for a dramatic final two races alongside the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix.

Why it matters:

This year's F1 Academy finale promises to be the most intense title fight since the series began in 2023. A close championship battle at a high-profile event like the Las Vegas Grand Prix not only raises the stakes for the drivers but also amplifies the visibility and excitement for women in motorsport, aligning with F1 Academy's mission to develop female talent.

The details:

• Championship Standings: Doriane Pin leads Maya Weug by a slim nine points heading into the final weekend. This gap means the title is firmly in play, with a maximum of 39 points available per driver across the weekend.
• Driver Mindset: Both Pin and Weug are focused on victory. Pin emphasized her team's leading position, stating, "We are leading the series so that means we are the best ones, right? We keep it going until the end." Weug, determined to close the gap, echoed, "[My mindset is] the same as Singapore, same as Zandvoort. We have to go for the win. We still have nine points left, so step by step we will get there."
• Other Battles: Beyond the top two, Britain's Ella Lloyd and USA's Chloe Chambers are separated by just two points, vying for third in the Drivers' Championship.
• Teams' Championship: Prema Racing, home to championship leader Pin, is on track for their third consecutive Teams' Championship, holding a 49-point lead over MP Motorsport.

By the numbers:

• Points System: The F1 Academy employs a varied points system across its two races and qualifying:
  • Pole Position: 2 points.
  • Fastest Lap: 1 point (if finishing in the top 8 for Race 1, or top 10 for Race 2).
  • Race 1 (Reverse Grid): Points for the top eight finishers (10-8-6-5-4-3-2-1).
  • Race 2 (Main Race): F1-style points for the top ten finishers (25-18-15-12-10-8-6-4-2-1). This main race is where the Drivers' Championship will likely be decided.
• Track Time: Drivers will have just one practice session to familiarize themselves with the high-speed Las Vegas street circuit before qualifying.

The big picture:

The 2025 season has been a rollercoaster, featuring eight different winners across 12 races. Pin started strong, leading after the opening weekend in Shanghai, but Weug took the lead after Jeddah. Miami saw Pin reclaim the lead before torrential rain cancelled a race. The Canadian round was chaotic, with collisions and electrical issues for Weug allowing Pin to extend her lead and bringing Chloe Chambers into title contention. However, Weug mounted a powerful comeback in Zandvoort and Singapore, closing a 36-point deficit to just nine points with strong performances, including a last-lap overtake on Pin in Singapore.

What's next:

The F1 Academy will be a critical support series at the Las Vegas Grand Prix. With a tight points battle and the unique challenge of a new street circuit, the stage is set for an unpredictable and thrilling conclusion to the season. The final races will not only crown a champion but also demonstrate the growing competitive depth within the F1 Academy.