F1 Academy Round 3 – Miami

Hinwil, 7 May 2025 – KICK Sauber F1 Team driver, Emma Felbermayr, showed her race craft and growing confidence behind the wheel of her car during Round 3 of F1 Academy in Miami, as she capitalised on her reverse pole comfortably leading laps and battling with series veterans.

After qualifying eighth once again, Emma started Race 1 from reverse pole – her third consecutive front row – and nailed the start, holding the lead as chaos unfolded behind her. With other drivers getting caught up, Mercedes’ Doriane Pin moved into second and began putting pressure on the Austrian rookie, but a Safety Car on the opening lap soon neutralised the fight.

At the restart, Emma held her line, but Pin made a move down the inside a few laps later. Emma didn’t back down – she came straight back at the Mercedes driver with a clean move in Turn 1 to retake the lead. Just a lap later, Emma was unfortunately forced to box for repairs due to a loose suspension cover, which opened the door for Pin and a train of cars behind to get through. Despite the team’s and Emma’s own efforts, she ultimately crossed the line in 15th place.

All was set for Race 2 on Sunday afternoon, with Emma eager to get back on track. Following intense rain and several formation laps completed behind the Safety Car, the race was delayed before being postponed altogether.

F1 Academy will return for Round 4 in Montreal in a month time, as the series will be racing for the first time at the iconic Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve.

Emma Felbermayr (car number 5)
KICK Sauber F1 Team operated by Rodin Motorsport
Qualifying: 8th
Race 1: 15th
Race 2: Postponed

“Overall, the weekend had its ups and downs but also allowed me to learn something more and make a small step forward. There were definite improvements in pace and confidence, and leading in Race 1 surely gave me a confidence boost. I felt in control during the opening laps – the start was strong, I kept calm under pressure, and the fight with Doriane was a good test. I was happy with how I handled that. Having to pit for repairs just a lap later was obviously frustrating – especially as that was pretty much the end of my race. It was tough to take in because we had the speed to be in the fight for points, even for a win. Still, it is all part of the process: I am learning every time I get in the car, and there are clear areas to work on heading into Montreal next month.”