Abbi Pulling has officially confirmed her multi-year contract with the Nissan Formula E team following her triumphant season as the 2024 F1 Academy champion. The 22-year-old British driver will step into her role as a rookie and simulator driver, bringing her considerable talents to the competitive electric racing circuit.
Having dominated the F1 Academy season, Pulling's performances have earned her recognition and a coveted spot with Nissan. In her new capacity, she will engage in rookie tests, simulator sessions, and other vital event preparations. Reflecting on her position, Pulling shared, “I’m really excited to be joining Nissan Formula E Team and extending our collaboration together, after driving for the squad during the all-women’s test in Jarama.”
Pulling expressed her gratitude for the professional approach the team showcased during her testing experience. “Everything the team did for me during the test was so professional. The time and effort put in to make sure I was prepared was great to see, and the crew were patient with me as a rookie,” she stated. Her enthusiasm hints at her eagerness to learn and grow within a new and challenging environment.
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The British driver has a solid background in motorsport, having previously competed in various series, including the W Series, Formula Renault Eurocup, and British Formula 4. Currently, she is racing with Rodin Motorsport in the GB3 Championship. This diverse experience may serve her well as she transitions into the different dynamics of Formula E.
Pulling's entry into Formula E was bolstered by her standout performance during the inaugural all-women's test at the Circuito del Jarama in Madrid in November. Her ability to adapt quickly to the GEN3 Evo car, particularly its unique 350kW all-wheel-drive mode, impressed the Nissan team. “The GEN3 Evo car is so unique, especially the 350kW mode in all-wheel drive which was very fun to use! It’s different from anything I’ve driven before, and it took some time to adjust to the increased power,” Pulling noted, indicating both the challenges and excitement of her new venture.
Tommaso Volpe, managing director and team principal of Nissan, also highlighted Pulling's trajectory in the sport: “We’re very pleased to welcome Abbi to the team as our official rookie and simulator driver on a multi-year agreement. We were very impressed with her speed, commitment, and professionalism during the all-women’s test in Madrid last November.” His remarks suggest a strong confidence in her abilities and potential to excel within the team.
Volpe further praised Pulling’s adaptability, stating, “She is very talented – she was able to adapt incredibly quickly to the car and comfortably top the timesheets, which is difficult in every category but even more so in Formula E, so she is the perfect candidate to join us in this role.” With significant responsibilities expected in her new position, Pulling is poised to gain valuable experience that could shape her career.
The collaboration signifies not just a new opportunity for Pulling, but also an investment in the future of the Nissan Formula E team. Volpe expressed optimism about the partnership, stating, “we want to give her as much experience as possible and we are confident that this long-term, continued collaboration will be very beneficial both for the team and for Abbi, to keep developing as a more complete driver.”
As she prepares for her new role, Pulling's journey exemplifies the potential pathways available for young female racers entering motorsport disciplines. Her achievements thus far and her upcoming experiences in Formula E could pave the way for further advancements within this rapidly growing field. The outlook for Pulling is promising as she embarks on this exciting chapter of her racing career.