Aurelia Nobels returns for her second season in the F1 Academy, driving once again for ART Grand Prix and representing the PUMA brand with her distinctive livery. Having finished 12th in her rookie year with 29 points, Nobels approaches the 2025 F1 Academy campaign with ambitions to improve her consistency and regularly challenge for points in an increasingly competitive field. With four rounds completed so far, this review examines her performances to date, highlighting both the progress made and the challenges she has faced in her sophomore season.
Challenging start to the season
The 2025 campaign began with significant challenges. Nobels retired from both Race 1 and Race 2 at the opening round in Shanghai, missing critical opportunities to score points and build momentum early on. These retirements placed her at an immediate disadvantage in the championship battle and tested her resilience moving forward.
Gradual improvement and consistency
At Round 2 in Jeddah, Nobels showed signs of improvement by finishing 10th and 11th in the two races. While these positions were just outside the points, they demonstrated her ability to maintain consistency and finish races amid a highly competitive field. Such finishes, while not headline-grabbing, were important for gaining experience and refining race craft in tricky conditions.
Best performance in Miami
Nobels’ most notable result came at the Miami round, where she finished sixth in Race 1, her best finish of the season so far. This strong midfield performance added valuable points to her tally and showcased her potential to compete at the sharp end of the field. Unfortunately, the cancellation of Race 2 due to adverse weather denied her the chance to build on this momentum.
Mixed fortunes in Canada
The Canadian round presented a mixture of outcomes. Nobels scored points with a ninth-place finish in Race 1 but dropped to 13th in Race 2, missing the points. Her weekend ended with a retirement in Race 3, compounding her difficulties in accumulating championship points. These results reflect some inconsistency and the fine margins Nobels faces in a tightly contested series.
Comparison with teammates
Within ART Grand Prix, Nobels’ performance sits between that of her teammates. Courtney Crone, backed by Haas, has struggled to score and currently ranks 17th with zero points. Lia Block, supported by Williams, has endured an inconsistent campaign marked by misfortunes and errors. However, strong individual performances have helped Block accumulate 15 points, placing her 10th in the standings. This comparison highlights that while Nobels has not matched Block’s points total, she remains competitive and well-positioned within her team.
Assessment and outlook
Nobels is clearly still adapting to the demands of the F1 Academy championship, which is known for its intense competition and steep learning curve, especially in a driver’s second season. Although her 2025 results have not yet matched her 2024 points tally, she has demonstrated steady progression and resilience under pressure.
Looking ahead, Nobels has the opportunity to build upon her solid foundation, improve consistency, and climb the championship standings. Her ongoing relationship with ART Grand Prix, combined with personal backing from PUMA and membership in the Ferrari Driver Academy, provides a strong support structure to facilitate growth.
A mixture or setbacks and promise
In summary, Aurelia Nobels’ 2025 season to date has been a mixture of setbacks and promising signs. Early retirements and several finishes outside the points have slowed her championship progress. Nevertheless, her sixth-place finish in Miami and competitive showings in the midfield indicate her potential to become a regular points contender. With three rounds remaining, Nobels has ample opportunity to convert potential into consistent results and become a key player in the 2025 F1 Academy season.
