After another solid qualifying performance saw her secure eighth on the grid, Felbermayr started Race 1 from pole position thanks to the reverse grid format. A strong launch put her in contention for a maiden podium, but teammate Ella Lloyd snatched the lead at Turn 1 with a bold move up the inside. Felbermayr initially held second but found herself under increasing pressure as the race progressed, ultimately falling out of the points-paying positions to finish ninth.
Race 2 offered a fresh opportunity, but it quickly unravelled. Felbermayr’s forward momentum was halted on Lap 2 after a hit from Rafaela Ferreira sent her into a spin, relegating her to 17th. Although Ferreira copped a 10-second penalty, the damage was already done. Felbermayr recovered to 15th by the flag.
Despite the setbacks, the 18-year-old Austrian remains focused on growth as the series heads to Miami for Round 3 next week.
Emma Felbermayr (Car #5) – KICK Sauber F1 Team (Rodin Motorsport)
Qualifying: 8th
Race 1: 9th
Race 2: 15th
“This weekend wasn’t what we hoped for in terms of results, but there are definitely positives. I’m gaining confidence with each session, and while the outcomes didn’t show it, we had pace at times. I’ve learned a lot, especially about handling key race moments and pressure. I’m staying focused and motivated – we’ll keep pushing and come back stronger in Miami.”
Round 3 of the F1 Academy season takes place in just over a week, where Felbermayr will be aiming to turn pace into points.
