F1 Academy: A challenge for Amna Al Qubaisi, Hamda Al Qubaisi and Emely de Heus in Singapore
F1 Academy took place in the support program of the F1 Grand Prix of Singapore. The Red Bull Academy Programme is sponsoring three cars and drivers Amna Al Qubaisi, Hamda Al Qubaisi and Emely de Heus for the F1 Academy 2024 Season, who will be competing for MP Motorsports in the F1 Academy series.
Amna Al Qubaisi (Visa Cash App RB Academy Programme, Operated By MP Motorsport) said: “On Friday, it started off really good, and I felt like I adapted to the track pretty quickly after having a limited amount of time to learn it. Going into qualifying we identified a small issue with the car, and I wasn’t able to fully maximise my performance and qualified at the back of the grid for both races. Race 1 was physically really demanding, and the first few laps were really bunched up and I was trying to avoid any incidents and was able to climb to finish P12. On Sunday, I had a really good start and was able to overtake a few cars, after the safety car we managed to make up a few more positions to secure P11. Between now and the next round in Qatar, my goal is to spend a lot of time in the simulator and to work on solutions to maximise qualifying. It hasn’t been the weekend we were hoping for, but I’ve enjoyed racing and being in Singapore and it was a great experience to drive at Marina Bay.”
Race 1 – Finish Position: P12, Start Position: P16
Race 2 – Finish Position: P11, Start Position: P16
Hamda Al Qubaisi (Red Bull Racing Pepe Jeans Academy Programme, Operated By MP Motorsport) said: “It’s been a challenge this weekend, to start we only had 30 minutes of practice before qualifying so it was all about learning as much as possible and trying to adapt to the track conditions. We qualified P5 and P6 for the races which put us in a good position to start. It was hard to overtake during the races and especially the second sector has a lot of tight corners and was tricky for me. It was a good weekend overall, and it is important that we finished in the points again for both races. Being consistent is important and I’m happy with these performances. It was really special to have the REBL CUSTMS camo-bull inspired livery on my car this weekend, especially for qualifying as it was darker outside and it really shone under the lights with the glitter. The car looked amazing, and I hope it looked good on camera during the race when I was battling on track. Street circuits aren’t usually my strongest tracks, but I’ve really enjoyed racing in Singapore for the first time this weekend.”
Race 1 – Finish Position: P6, Start Position: P5
Race 2 – Finish Position: P6, Start Position: P6
Emely de Heus (Red Bull Ford Academy Programme, Operated By MP Motorsport) said: “It’s been a mixed weekend in Singapore. The one practice session was about getting to know the track and was also about finding out where the limits are and where you can really push. The data was really important from practice, and I made progress at the beginning of qualifying, but ended up towards the back of the grid which wasn’t where I wanted to be. In Race 1, I started P14 but I lost a few positions and we were unfortunate with my gearbox getting stuck, I got caught up a few times throughout the race and also had a spin so it wasn’t our best race. Race 2 was stronger for us, and I gained a position and was able to secure a point to take away from Singapore. Next, we test in Abu Dhabi for F1 Academy and my focus will be on getting the right set-up and also working with the team to make any changes to the car before the final races of the season.”
Race 1 – Finish Position: P15, Start Position: P14
Race 2 – Finish Position: P10, Start Position: P11