In a significant move for both a rising motorsport star and a leading Formula E team, 2024 F1 Academy champion Abbi Pulling is set to join the Nissan Formula E Team as a rookie and simulator driver under a multi-year agreement, announced on June 16, 2025. This partnership underscores Nissan’s commitment to nurturing new talent and Pulling’s impressive ascent in the competitive world of motorsport.
Pulling, a 22-year-old Briton, has already carved out a notable racing career. Beyond her F1 Academy title, she holds the distinction of being the first female driver to secure a race victory in British F4 and has been actively competing in GB3, achieving a strong fifth-place finish in the season-opener at Silverstone . Her capabilities were notably showcased to the Formula E paddock in November of the previous year at Circuito del Jarama in Madrid, where she topped the timesheets during the first-ever all-women’s session, leaving a strong impression with her speed, commitment, and professionalism.
Tommaso Volpe, managing director and team principal of Nissan Formula E Team, lauded Pulling’s talent, highlighting her rapid adaptation to the Formula E car as a key factor in her selection. “She was able to adapt incredibly quickly to the car and comfortably top the timesheets, which is difficult in every category but even more so in Formula E, so she is the perfect candidate to join us in this role,” Volpe stated.
Pulling’s role with the Japanese outfit will be multifaceted. She will be deeply involved in Rookie Tests, extensive simulator work, and event preparation . Crucially, she will also play a part in the initial set-up of the team’s new bespoke Dynisma simulator ahead of Season 12, a state-of-the-art facility that will be vital for future development . Nissan aims to provide her with comprehensive experience, fostering her development into a more complete driver through this long-term collaboration.
For Pulling, this opportunity represents a significant step. “I’m really excited to be joining Nissan Formula E Team and extending our collaboration,” she commented, praising the team’s professionalism and support during her previous test. She acknowledged the uniqueness of the GEN3 Evo car, particularly its 350kW all-wheel-drive mode, and expressed enthusiasm for her upcoming simulator duties and potential track time. This experience will be invaluable as she navigates the complexities of advanced electric racing technology and further hones her skills within a highly competitive international series.
Nissan’s engagement with Pulling is a testament to their broader strategy in Formula E. The manufacturer, which made its debut in Season 5 (2018/19) as the first and only Japanese team in the series, has demonstrated a long-term vision. This includes a commitment through the GEN3 era (ending Season 12, 2025/26) and being the first manufacturer to sign up for the GEN4 era, which extends until 2030. This forward-looking approach aligns with Nissan’s Ambition 2030 electrification targets and its goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. The Formula E program serves as a critical platform for Nissan to transfer knowledge and technology from the racetrack to its road-going electric vehicles, ultimately benefiting consumers.
The signing of Abbi Pulling is more than just a new driver addition; it’s a strategic investment in talent and future development for Nissan, and a landmark opportunity for a driver who has consistently demonstrated exceptional promise. As Nissan continues to solidify its presence and competitive edge in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, with Oliver Rowland and Norman Nato as their drivers for Season 11, Pulling’s integration into the team is poised to yield significant benefits for both parties in the electrifying seasons to come.
