Interview
‘This shows exactly the potential I’ve had all year’ – Larsen reflects on emotional maiden F1 ACADEMY victory in Austin
Alba Larsen admitted she was struggling to find the words after claiming her maiden F1 ACADEMY victory in the Reverse Grid Race at the Circuit of the Americas, describing the emotion of hearing the Danish national anthem from the top step of the podium.
The Ferrari driver converted fourth on the grid into a dominant victory, taking the lead during a dramatic opening lap before pulling clear of the field following the Safety Car restart. Having secured three consecutive podium finishes prior to Austin’s Reverse Grid Race, the 17-year-old finally achieved the breakthrough result she had been chasing.
“It means a lot,” she remarked. “Right now, I don’t really know what to say. Especially to take a win like this, I really had to fight for it. Starting P4, overtaking on the first laps, getting a really good restart after the Safety Car, leading every lap and getting a big gap is the best way you can run away with it.”
“I had to fight for it, and I stayed in front. Honestly, it’s the best feeling to win a race like that, and you could really see on the podium how much it meant.
“I was crying hearing the Danish national anthem. It was an amazing feeling hearing it, singing along. I almost forgot the lyrics!”
Despite the emotion that followed the chequered flag, Larsen had appeared composed throughout the race, establishing an advantage over the chasing pack that left her largely unchallenged for victory.
The Dane credited her preparation for the restart and her ability to manage the gap and tyres, explaining that she had a clear understanding of how she wanted to approach the remaining laps.
“I knew exactly what to do on the restart,” she said. “I was so clear on when I wanted to go, and I just tried to manage the gap and my tyres so that they would stay alive.
“Honestly, I just kept my head down and looked forward. My engineer was telling me to keep pushing, and during the last two laps I asked, ‘What is the fastest lap?’ and tried to go for it.
“I was maybe a bit too late, but I just felt really great, calm and collected. It was a great feeling.”
After waiting until Zandvoort to secure her maiden F1 ACADEMY podium in her 22nd race, Larsen has since recorded three consecutive top-three finishes before finally claiming victory in Austin. The Ferrari driver attributed her improvement to the work undertaken with her team over the summer break and the confidence she has developed throughout the season.
“This shows exactly the potential I’ve had all year,” she said. “I have really grown over this year, and I have now shown that I can win a race. I think I can do it again.”
READ MORE: 'I have a good shot at a race win’ - Westcott encouraged after P2 in Austin Qualifying
“It definitely shows my mental strength and the work that goes into everything behind the scenes. Over the summer break, we really put in the work as a team to accomplish this result, and it just feels amazing.”
With the celebrations behind her, Larsen is already looking towards Sunday’s Feature Race, where she will start fifth with another opportunity to build on her recent run of form.
“Tomorrow is going to be tricky starting P5, but I’m excited to fight my way to the podium again," she stated.