Title fight and major 2026 announcements shape the season finale weekend
The final weekend of the 2025 F1 Academy season is already underway under the sparkling lights of Las Vegas, where the thrilling title fight between DorianePin — championship leader heading into the round with 151 points — and MayaWeug, just behind on 142, will reach its decisive moment.
Qualifying took place on Thursday evening, while Friday will host Race 1 (6:15 PM PST) and Saturday will see the lights go out for Race 2 (4:20 PM PST). Pole position once again went to ChloeChambers, while Doriane Pin and Maya Weug will start Race 2 from fourth and fifth on the grid, respectively. The reversed-grid Race 1 will see Nina Gademan line up from pole.
With 25 points on offer in Race 2 and 10 in Race 1, the championship battle will be decided entirely on track, determining who will join Marta García (2023) and Abbi Pulling (2024) in the F1 Academy roll of honour.
Both title contenders will conclude their F1 Academy journey in Las Vegas, as the regulations limit drivers to a maximum of two seasons in the series. Like them, pole sitter Chloe Chambers, Tina Hausmann, Lia Block, Chloe Chong and Aurelia Nobels will also exit the championship at the end of the weekend. Meanwhile, the build-up to the finale has been marked by several announcements regarding the 2026 season.
McLaren confirmed Ella Lloyd for 2026 and revealed it will extend support to an additional entry on the grid through McLaren Oxagon, which will field Ella Stevens in partnership with Rodin Motorsport. The papaya team also announced that young talent Ella Häkkinen has joined its Driver Development Programme.
Alisha Palmowski (Red Bull) and Rafaela Ferreira (Visa Cash App Red Bull) have also been confirmed for 2026, while Esmee Kosterman will race the newly unveiled Lego-sponsored car — launched alongside the brand-new Lego set featuring the T-421-F1A. Lisa Billard will also join the grid, with Gatorade supporting her single seater.
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