F1 ACADEMY Introduces Exciting Changes for 2025 Season

In a move set to revamp the racing landscape, the F1 ACADEMY has announced a significant update to its Sporting Regulations for the 2025 season. This change is poised to bring more excitement and challenges to the young drivers competing in the series.

Return of Reverse Grid Races

Starting from the 2025 season, the F1 ACADEMY will reintroduce reverse grid races for the first race of each weekend. This format, which was previously used, will see the grid for Race 1 set by reversing the top eight drivers from the Qualifying classification. All other drivers will maintain their qualifying positions. This change is designed to increase overtaking opportunities and provide a more dynamic racing experience.

Delphine Biscaye, Competition Manager of F1 ACADEMY, expressed her enthusiasm for the new format: "The return of the reverse grid in 2025 promises exciting racing with even more overtakes. The change will also challenge and develop our drivers’ race craft and prepare them to progress up the motorsport ladder, where reverse grids are a mainstay in the weekend format."

Points Allocation

The points system for the two races will differ. For Race 1, points will be awarded to the top eight drivers, with the following distribution: - 1st place: 10 points - 2nd place: 8 points - 3rd place: 6 points - 4th place: 5 points - 5th place: 4 points - 6th place: 3 points - 7th place: 2 points - 8th place: 1 point Additionally, one point will be allocated to the driver who achieves the fastest lap time within the top eight classified drivers.

For Race 2, the format and points allocation will remain the same as in the 2024 season. The grid will be set by the drivers’ fastest laps in Qualifying, and points will be awarded to the top ten classified drivers: - 1st place: 25 points - 2nd place: 18 points - 3rd place: 15 points - 4th place: 12 points - 5th place: 10 points - 6th place: 8 points - 7th place: 6 points - 8th place: 4 points - 9th place: 2 points - 10th place: 1 point An additional point will be awarded to the driver who achieves the fastest lap within the top ten, and two points for the driver in pole position.

Expansion and Growth

These changes come on the heels of the announcement that the F1 ACADEMY grid will expand to 18 cars in 2025, reflecting the series' rapid growth and the increasing talent pool of young female drivers. This expansion underscores the series' commitment to nurturing and developing the skills of its drivers.

The new format is expected to enhance the competitive spirit and provide more opportunities for drivers who often qualify in the middle to lower end of the top eight to showcase their racing abilities at the front of the pack. As Biscaye noted, "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."

With these changes, the 2025 F1 ACADEMY season promises to be an exhilarating and unpredictable ride, offering both drivers and fans a fresh and thrilling experience.