Interview
‘Racing can be very cruel’ – Weug opens up on narrowly losing out on the title in Las Vegas
After missing out on the 2025 F1 ACADEMY title at the final hurdle, Maya Weug was left to lament what could have been as she took her ninth podium of the season in Las Vegas.
The Ferrari driver arrived at the circuit on Thursday just nine points behind Pin, but the gap quickly increased to 20 points after she crashed into the back of Tina Hausmann’s car on the formation lap for Race 1.
Sustaining too much damage to continue, Weug had no choice but to watch from the pits while Pin claimed another win. The greater number of points on offer in Race 2 meant that it was still possible for Weug to secure the title.
To overhaul the deficit and wrestle the title away from Pin, she needed to take victory while the Mercedes driver finished seventh or lower. While Pin did finish behind Weug and her MP Motorsport teammate Alba Larsen, fifth place was enough for the French racer to be crowned champion by 15 points.
Marking a frustrating end to an impressive two seasons, Weug remarked: “It’s difficult to say now but I really tried until the last lap today to get to the front. I think the pace was there – especially after the Safety Car, we had really good pace.
“I struggled a bit on the tyres for the first few laps and didn’t have the great feeling that I was expecting. After that, I felt like we were really strong like we have been for the whole season.
“I battled hard, overtook Doriane on the outside of Turn 1, had a good move on Alba at Turn 7, and had a good battle with Alisha (Palmowski) at the end as well. That was a bit optimistic from my side but I had nothing to lose and I think the move itself was really good. It’s just that the straight after was a bit less good.
“I’m happy with the race I did. I’m happy with how the team has helped me this year, but also in this race, trying to help me from the pit wall with how I can improve.
“Unfortunately, we did everything we could and it didn’t work out. I think we should all be proud. They will have another shot next year.”
Weug’s two years in F1 ACADEMY have seen her experience the full spectrum of the emotions that racing brings — including scoring the most podiums this season — but she was ultimately pleased with how she has developed as a driver and a person in that time.
“I think I’ve shown what type of driver I am over these two seasons,” Weug summarised. “Unfortunately, racing can be very cruel and it has been many times this year, especially in Montreal and yesterday.
“It also had a lot of ups, and that’s what racing is about. I think I’ve grown a lot over these two years. I wish all the best to the team, and let’s see what we do after this.
“Pin did a great job. It was always very fair racing between us two. They all did a great job and I think the most important thing is we raced very hard against each other, but at the same time we were very fair.
“It gave a good show to everyone today, and also last season and this season. She also deserves it and I wish her the best in her career.”