Payton Westcott takes a flag-to-flag victory in race 1 of the F1 Academy at the Dutch GP. This Saturday (22), the competitor dominated the 17 laps to climb to the top step of the podium.
Read more F1: Cadillac negotiates with former Red Bull design chief
The competitor, who represents Mercedes on the grid, was the one who started from pole position on the reversed grid, sharing the front row with Megan Bruce. Rafaela Ferreira, the Brazilian on the grid, had problems in qualifying, crashed, and lined up only last.
Start authorized in Zandvoort and Payton managed to maintain first place without major problems, with Megan needing to hold on and close the door to Nina Gademan, the third and home driver.
Further back, a yellow flag was necessary due to a problem for Alisha Palmowski. Championship leader, the competitor dropped to last position.
On the second lap, the order was Westcott with more than 2.9 seconds advantage over Gademan, the runner-up. Bruce, Rachel Robertson, and Emma Felbermayr completed the top five positions.
Then, on the third lap, a safety car was necessary. The reason was a crash by Natalia Granada, who hit the protective wall and stopped on the track, but got out of the car without problems.
Further back, Ferreira was trying to gain ground. After the first laps of the race, the Racing Bulls driver was in 15th place eyeing the safety car restart.
Read more F1: Norris admits McLaren’s limit in the title fight
The period did not last long and the race was restarted on the next lap. After the restart, Payton had a 1.6-second advantage over Gademan, second. Robertson was completing the top 3 at the moment.
On lap 8, the podium positions changed. In a precise move, Alba Larsen managed to leave Robertson behind and took third place.
A new safety car intervention was necessary, this time due to an incident involving Jade Jacquet. The competitor was stopped on the track and her car had to be removed.
Race restarted and Payton Westcott maintained first place without major problems. Larsen managed to leave home driver Nina behind and took second position, with Esmee Kosterman, also Dutch, and Robertson completing the top five positions.
Further back in the pack, Rafa was trying to gain ground and climb the positions. The Brazilian even fought for and took 13th place, but was overtaken and was in 14th place.
Checkered flag and Westcott takes the win in race 1 of the reversed grid of the Dutch GP of the F1 Academy. Larsen and Gademan complete the day’s podium. Ferreira is 14th.
Read more F1: Bortoleto is investigated and goes to the stewards after Sprint race in Zandvoort
