Ahead of the Berlin E-Prix Rookie Test, Pit Debrief caught up exclusively with Abbi Pulling, one of the most exciting young talents in single-seater racing.
Having recently enjoyed success in GB3 and the F1 Academy, and serving as a simulator and rookie driver for Nissan’s Formula E team, Pulling is now set to take another major step in her professional journey.
Focus on the rookie test for now
When asked what this opportunity means to her personally and professionally, especially as she transitions into the fully electric world of Formula E, Pulling was enthusiastic about what lies ahead.
“I mean, it’s really exciting, obviously. Last year, at the women’s test with the Nissan Formula E team, we did a really great job. And after having a good performance there, this is the next step, doing an official Rookie Test, getting a feel for the race weekend atmosphere and following the team along and, of course, extending that relationship with the team, having the sim and rookie driver status.
“It’s all very exciting, and it’s a step closer to that professional driver kind of status that I’m striving for. And I’m just so thankful for the team for having that trust in me.
“And I think Formula E as a whole are welcoming women with open arms behind the scenes as well as drivers. And I’m just excited to see how it goes, you know,” Pulling added.
Preparation for an all-electric car at the Berlin rookie test
With a background in combustion-powered single-seaters, the adaptation to the Gen3 car presents new technical challenges. Pulling acknowledged the shift in dynamics as she reflected on the most difficult aspects of the transition so far.
“Yeah, it’s very different. Obviously, electric power, I’ve only driven that in Jarama. And it’s a torque, it’s very fast, and the tyre doesn’t offer a huge amount of grip. Although, surprisingly, it does offer more than I expected. But, yeah, it’s a lot to adapt to, and it’s also a bit heavier than what I’m used to. So, having that kind of mid-corner, having to slow the speed down a little bit more is…
“Again, I’m used to the GB3 car now, and I’ve got the downforce like that. So, it’s tough. And this is, you know, when I tested it, it was Jarama. It was a circuit which I’m very much used to. And although I raced street circuits last year, they were all kind of F1 street circuits which had tonnes and tons of runoff, whereas the street circuits in Formula E are very raw. They can be very bumpy and low grip. So, that will be a whole new experience in itself, just driving the track here in Berlin, let alone the car paired with it, with the power it has.
“But, yeah, I think it’s a really fun car to drive, and I feel like every time I go on the simulator, there’s a lot being learned. And every time I jump in the real car, I mean, I jumped in it once, I’ll jump in it again on Monday. There’ll be a lot to learn again.”
Adaptability to a new car
With her extensive simulator work playing a critical role in Nissan’s preparations, Pulling discussed how these experiences have helped her build confidence behind the wheel and translate that learning into on-track performance.
“There’s so much behind these cars, so just having a better understanding of what does what. I normally race with a motor on the front as well, and the braking systems are very different. A lot of the techniques are different, which it’s a lot to adapt to.
“But it’s all very exciting. I think one of the biggest strengths as a driver is your adaptability and your capacity. So, a car like this requires so much capacity in what information you’re taking in.
“And the quicker I can develop that and learn and feed as much of the really experienced engineers I am working with. And obviously, I mean, they’re leading a championship, so they’re doing something really right. So, the more I listen to them and work with them, the better.”
Her adaptability has clearly not gone unnoticed. Nissan’s Team Principal Tommaso Volpe has publicly praised Pulling’s progress and versatility, something she reflected on with appreciation.
“I mean, it’s so nice. The simulator work I really enjoy and I always like to try different things and playing with some of the systems when I can here and there.
“But, yeah, it’s nice to hear him saying that and, you know, I just want to keep learning and hopefully keep impressing and doing a good job to my merit hopefully moving forward in the future.”
Developing within Nissan
Looking ahead to the Rookie Test, Pulling revealed that the focus—both personally and as part of the team—is about development and consistency.
“At the moment, I’m very focused on the race weekend in hand. Obviously, it could be a monumental one for them. So, mainly focused on the sim preparation track side. Later on in the weekend, we’ll talk more about the Rookie Test. Goals for myself personally is to help the team.
“Obviously, they’ve got some test items they want to do. So, make sure I get through everything for them.
“And then personal goals is, I think, just improving on where I was at the women’s test. Of course, it was great to top that, but this is a whole of a ballpark. This is a whole of a challenge, an opportunity. And there’s some incredible names that I’ll be driving alongside.
“And just put in a good show and keep learning, keep improving. And wherever we end up, I don’t think matters too much. It’s knowing what I need to work on for the next time.
“And if I’ve worked on what I needed to work on last time. So, from the women’s test, I had some areas to improve on. And going forward to here, if I can improve on that, then that will be, I think, a successful test.”
On the topic of women in motorsport and Formula E
Formula E’s support of women in motorsport—through both track time and development roles—has been a major talking point. Pulling reflected on how this initiative has shaped her own development.
“It’s huge. I mean, what Jeff Dodds is doing, he’s so enthusiastic about having a female on the grid, for sure.
“Of course, it needs to be someone that deserves it and is fast and can be competitive. And, you know, I don’t think I’m there yet. You know, I’ve driven the car once.
“But, with time and with Nissan, they’ve put trust in me, obviously signed a multi-year contract with them as a simulator and rookie driver to learn, to hopefully develop. So, one day, potentially that opportunity can arise. And there’s this, like I said, there’s so much to comprehend in this sport.
“I think some of the spectators don’t realise there’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes and the development battle between, like, the powertrains is quite incredible, really. So, to just better understand the car and even, being here on the race weekend, I’ve not been to too many races. So, you know, knowing how the team operates a bit better behind the scenes and things like that.”
Look ahead to the future in racing
Finally, when asked about her long-term career trajectory, Pulling made it clear that while F1 remains a dream, Formula E is now firmly on her radar as a serious option.
“I mean, at the moment, I’m still going through the single-seat trajectory, currently competing in GB3. But, of course, I think any driver in my position would say they want to go to Formula 1, but I think, of course, I want to try.
“But I’ve had Formula E on my radar for a couple of years now. I’ve been watching it since I first attended an event, which was the first London E-Prix, I believe, in 2021. And ever since then, just been hooked.
“The racing is the most exciting racing you can get and, yeah, potentially there’s work and there’s revenues. But continuing, I think, with Nissan and just learning off of them is the most important thing for me.”
As she prepares to take the wheel again for Nissan in Berlin, Abbi Pulling continues to show all the promise of a future star, not just in Formula E, but across the wider motorsport landscape.
