Abbi Pulling: Eight-year-old me would be gobsmacked
Like many riders, Pullin believes that securing and maintaining a steady stream of funding and sponsors is a major obstacle to her progress.
While the F1 Academy provides drivers with extra visibility – the race is held concurrently with the F1 Grand Prix and is broadcast live on Sky TV – Pring said progress in securing financial support would not necessarily lead to the same leap.
“It’s so hard, but it’s not just me who’s struggling,” she said, adding that many male drivers fail to make progress due to financial reasons.
“It’s increasingly becoming a billionaire’s club, which I think is very sad. Because I think the focus on money ends up neglecting talent.”
Despite the financial setbacks, Prine said she’s happy with her current trajectory, noting that there are more opportunities for women now than ever before.
They include F1 Academy, this FIA girls on track Initiative, all-female enduro teams Iron Dames and Formula E are committed to providing testing opportunities for women.
“There is a positive atmosphere around women in motorsport,” Pring said.
Asked whether her younger self would have believed she had come so far, she added: “I think my eight-year-old self would have been stunned.”
