CUMBRIAN driver Jess Edgar has now finished her debut season in F1 Academy, rounding off her year with a win in the final weekend.
The Rodin Carlin driver took part in the final race weekend in Austin and dominated from the beginning. Jess said: "I think all weekend went really well, starting off being fairly fast in Free Practice 1, this carried on through the whole weekend."
Jess put the success of the US GP weekend down to the preparation behind the scene leading up to the race.
She said: "We had two months off to prepare for it so a lot of hard work from me and all Rodin Carlin payed off.
"We did a lot of practice on the simulator for qualifying as this was the part I struggled with the most. Finally got the hang of it now!"
Jess won race 3 of the weekend, but it was a close one initially as Nerea Martí and Marta García battled for second and third behind Jess before she extended her lead later in the race.
Jess said: "I think the main thoughts going through my head during race 3 was just keep it on track and make no mistakes, as I was faster than the two girls behind me but if I made one mistake they would catch me."
"It was a great feeling to cross the line in first and getting my first win was amazing, especially on our first F1 weekend with all those fans watching. It was a great atmosphere."
Jess started the year well, getting a podium finish in race 1 in Spielberg, but she reflected how how she progressed from Austria to the United States.
She said: "Looking back at the start of the year to where I am now... it's a different me. The improvements we have made throughout the year are massive and I cannot thank Rodin Carlin enough for the support they have given me.
"They have never stopped believing in me and that I would win a race this year."
Formula 1 and F1 Academy announced in July that from the 2024 season all 10 Formula 1 teams will have one driver and have their livery on one car competing in F1 Academy. The remaining five drivers in the series will be supported by other partners.
Whilst Jess is still unsure who she will be represented by yet, she has big plans for her career. She said: "Next year's plans are to stay in F1 Academy. I would like to stay with Rodin Carlin but at the minute nothing is finalised.
"I am not sure whether I will have a F1 team or a sponsor yet, things are still being sorted!"
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