F1 Academy will compete in its third season in 2025. Abbi Pulling won the championship at a canter last term but this season will have a new format for the drivers to contend with. Reverse grids will return in 2025.
The first season of the F1 Academy saw reverse grids implemented. However, this was changed once it was announced Academy races would take place only on F1 weekends. This saw reverse grids taken out of the category. The 2025 season will see them come back.
Reverse grids return to F1 Academy
In its inaugural season, the F1 Academy had three races. However, this couldn’t continue once it moved to F1 weekends. With the high amount of support races, the reverse grid race was cut. However, updated regulations have seen it fit to bring the format back.
Delphine Biscaye, Competition Manager of F1 Academy said: “The return of the reverse grid in 2025 promises exciting racing with even more overtakes. Reverse grids are a fantastic chance for drivers who often qualify P5 – P8 to demonstrate their ability to race at the front, and a podium or race win can be just what it takes to unlock their full confidence and potential.”
IT IS BACK! 🏎️
More overtakes, more drama, and more excitement on track, the reverse grid race returns for 2025 🏁
Head to our website to find out more ⬇️https://t.co/A3wgy2gAqQ#F1Academy pic.twitter.com/uytqHRLGNI
— F1 Academy (@f1academy) February 25, 2025
The format will be similar to F2 and F3. The top eight drivers in qualifying will reverse for the first race, with the qualifying order staying the same in the second race. The winner of the first race will receive ten points down to eight scoring one. The second race will see an F1-type points system. The format change is set to excite fans at the season opener in China on March 23rd.
Will F1 ever bring in reverse grids?
Formula 1 had the idea to bring reverse grids into the sprint races. Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton was in favour of the idea. However, following criticism from the top teams and drivers, F1 went against introducing the idea.
⚠️ | Formula 1 is studying the implementation of reverse grids for the 2024 sprint races.
China, Miami, Austria, Qatar, Austin and Brazil would be the 6 venues where the sprint races would take place in 2024.
A final decision is expected to be communicated in January 2024.… pic.twitter.com/v470flqw2p
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) November 25, 2023
There were concerns from the top teams that they were being penalised for having the best cars. They complained it would make the championship less competitive. There was also the fear that drivers would intentionally qualify low to gain an advantage.
The way the lower formulae structure the reverse grid does work well. With just one qualifying session, in the sprint race, they reverse the top ten, leaving the other cars in the same spot. For the feature race, the grid is the same as qualifying. This format could work well in F1 as there is still an incentive for drivers to qualify high. Will F1 bring the reverse grid into the sport? There is a chance in the future they can tweak the format.
