This weekend’s Grand Prix marks F1 Academy’s debut in Canada. Alba Larsen will be taking to the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, the 17 other drivers, in equal machinery. 16-year-old Larsen has confirmed she expects the weekend at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve to be tough, but an exciting time as each driver gains experience in these surroundings.
No data will be available for the series, making the weekend a key learning opportunity for F1 Academy racers. Larsen’s Canadian GP preparation for Round 4, involved simulator time and refining her race craft in British F4 during the break.
“I’m very excited,” Larsen started. “I think it’s going to be a very cool weekend. It’s the first time for F1 ACADEMY in Montreal. Everybody has an equal shot and equal chances because nobody has been here before, so that’s going to make it very interesting.”
The troubles of no data in Montreal
Alba Larsen’s Canadian GP promises clear expectations, as she actively embraces opportunities to learn along the way. “It’s certainly difficult when we don’t have a reference to look at,” she expressed.
As this is F1 Academy’s first appearance in Canada, challenges appear when you consider the lack of data, and experience the team’s have here. No previous running for any team, means each team and driver will be in the same boat. There will be struggles for many, when it comes to finding the right set up, and finding pace.
“We’ve looked at some of the F1 sessions as a reference but also doing a lot of sim to try and figure out what gears to use and how does it feel. Then in Free Practice, it’s going to be a lot of different stuff — testing different gears, testing brake points and we have to try so many things to prepare for Qualifying.
“The whole track is very challenging. It’s just a lot of chicanes and if you hit one kerb wrong, it’s going to mess up the whole section.” She continues on, stating: “It’s a very interesting track. It’s hard to say where there’s going to be overtakes, but if you get a good run out of the last chicane, Turn 1 is definitely going to be an overtaking spot and maybe the hairpin as well.”
A reflection on her season so far
After a disappointing performance in Miami, the Danish teenager is keen to improve, despite lacking essential data. Larsen is expecting the Canadian GP to be much like her time in Miami. Her season began well with three top-five finishes in the last four races, showcasing her speed and track adaptability.
During their time in Shanghai and Jeddah, F1 Academy had test days, allowing the drivers to gain some experience, and collect data, prior to the Grand Prix weekend.
“It’s definitely much more challenging,” she said. “In Shanghai and Jeddah, we had three days of testing, which were so good. It made my work less hard. Of course, we still had to work hard for the lap time, but this one Practice session is going to be so important.”
Larsen is aware that the single Practice session in Canada will be crucial, as they head into Qualifying right after. This session will be the only chance the drivers have to find their feet, and acclimatise to their surroundings.
“If you don’t get the Practice, like if you crash on the first lap, that’s going to be so crucial for the whole weekend. It’s a bit different from Miami.
“We didn’t have any testing but some drivers had been there before, so they had an advantage. Nobody has been here, so it’s going to be very equal for everyone and that’s exciting.”
Race 2 from Miami will take place in Canada
Despite low expectations for Larsen’s Canadian GP, she has ample opportunities to gain momentum with three races in Round 4. After Race 2 in Miami was postponed due to the weather, it will now take place after Qualifying. The Tommy Hilfiger-backed teenager will begin Race 1 in 12th position, as Miami’s Qualifying session set the Race 1 grid.
“The first race is going to be a lot of learning on how to overtake and then in Races 2 and 3 we can really build on that,” she explained. “I hope for a very good Qualifying so that I can start up the front. I’m definitely hoping for a podium, but it’s going to be hard. It’s definitely going to challenge me.”
