2023-10-28 05:39:11
motoring
Lena Bühler: “One of the most rewarding seasons for me”
The 26-year-old driver from Vaud shone in F1 Academy, a new competition intended to highlight female drivers. She takes stock.
PublishedOctober 28, 2023, 07:39
Lena Bühler, second in the 2nd race in Austin, October 21.
Getty Images via AFP
Second place in the general classification, 13 podiums including two victories. Vaudoise Lena Bühler, 26, burst onto the screen during the first season of F1 Academy, a Formula 4 championship reserved for women, whose objective is to “develop and prepare female drivers to access higher levels.
Organized by Formula One Group, which runs the premier discipline, the competition included 21 races scheduled over seven weekends. Victorious in Barcelona and Monza, the driver from Valeyres-sous-Montagny, who rode for ART Grand Prix, looks back on this year full of success.
– Lena Bühler, you have just finished the first season of F1 Academy. How did this happen?
– Alright. It was a good season, we made good progress with the team, which was making its debut in F4. Personally, I have been very consistent throughout the year. And I’m the one who won the most podiums (editor’s note: 13, including two victories, at Barcelona and Monza).
– What conclusions do you draw from this experience?
– It was a good initiative from Susie Wolff and the F1 Academy to launch this women’s competition. Especially having F1 as a sponsor. In terms of visibility, this helped us a lot. Having teams racing in F2 and F3 is also very good for the experience. On a personal level, it was truly one of the most rewarding seasons for me. I only get positive things from it.
– What is the best memory you have of this adventure?
– Hard to say, there was good to be had in each race. Obviously, it’s always better when there’s a victory at stake. Like in Barcelona, for my first victory. It was a great joy, both for me and for the team. It gives you confidence when you perform well from start to finish, from qualifying to the last round.
– Where have you made the most progress?
– Learn to manage the pace when you start in first position on a grid. But I think I have progressed on all levels on the track. And working with a different team is interesting
– What was missing to finish first?
– It was the first year for ART, so we started with a deficit compared to other teams, like Prema Racing, our main rival. We had less experience and that was felt at the start of the season. Winner of the championship, Marta Garcia had already taken a big lead following the first two meetings.
– How was the atmosphere in the paddock?
There was a good atmosphere. Despite the rivalries, we got along well. Both on and off the track, there was a lot of respect. The climate was pleasant.
– Were there many spectators?
– When we raced during F1 weekends, like in Austin, there were a lot of them. It gives you more adrenaline, it’s more exciting. But when there were no other races on the schedule, there were almost none.
– And now, what’s next for you?
– It was my only season in F1 Academy. I am no longer old enough to participate in it. But anyway, I wouldn’t have stayed. I feel that as long as you finish in the top 3, it’s time to go. This category should serve as a springboard, but the goal is to go further. For the rest, I can’t say anything. There are things under discussion. It’s well advanced but there is nothing official yet.
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