The F1 Academy season reached its midpoint following the recent round in Montreal, with a significant break until it resumes in Zandvoort at the end of August. The season has seen Maya Weug, a 21-year-old Dutch driver from the Scuderia Ferrari Driver Academy, generally performing well. However, she encountered technical difficulties throughout the Canadian weekend, resulting in minimal points gained.
Weug faced persistent engine issues starting from Friday morning’s free practice session. Despite attempts by her team to resolve these problems before qualifying, she could only secure a 15th place start due to an electrical malfunction. “It wasn’t the easiest of weekends,” Weug commented on her struggles.
Her challenges continued into Race-1 as recurring issues forced multiple pit stops. Before Race-2, similar problems emerged again but were identified as related to spark plugs. Quick changes allowed her to start and finish ninth despite some turbo response issues.
Sunday’s third race was problem-free for Weug, who advanced from 15th to sixth position. “It was a relief to be able to race without thinking about anything else,” she said, expressing gratitude towards her team for their efforts. She ended the weekend with eight points and now ranks third in the standings.
Aurelia Nobels also faced setbacks in Montreal. Starting sixth in Race 1, she quickly moved up but sustained damage after an aggressive move on Dorian Pin, necessitating a pit stop and leaving her ninth. Races 2 and 3 saw her starting from 13th; she finished there in Race 2 and got involved in a collision during Race 3 that cost her potential top ten placement.
Both drivers will utilize the upcoming break to analyze their performances and prepare for the final three rounds of the season.
