Show Notes
In this episode of She Who Dares Wins, Michelle sits down with Abbi Pulling – GB3 driver, F1 Academy champion and Nissan Formula E development driver – for a raw, funny and honest conversation about what it really takes to make it in motorsport. Abbi shares how a childhood spent at race tracks with her dad turned into a professional career, the brutal financial reality of racing, and why her goal this year is to “be more arrogant.” She opens up about mindset, burnout, social media, and the pressure of representing women in a male‑dominated sport – all while still just 22. If you’ve ever wrestled with self‑doubt, expectations or the cost (financial and emotional) of chasing a big dream, this one will hit home – whether you’re into racing or not. Key Takeaways Mindset over everything: Abbi’s turnaround season came when she stopped obsessing over expectations and focused on doing the best she could each weekend, reset from zero, and treating every result as data, not judgment. “Be more arrogant” (in a good way): Her goal is to back herself harder, trust her instincts, and speak up – especially when she knows she’s right on car setup and strategy. The real cost of racing: Moving from karts to cars can cost £100k+ a year on a budget, rising to £500k–£1m at higher levels – making sponsorship and creative funding absolutely critical. Female-only series as lifelines: W Series and F1 Academy didn’t just give visibility; they literally kept her career alive when funding ran out. Competing in mixed grids: Abbi’s raced boys and men her whole life; for her, gender matters less than mindset, performance and being at the front. Physical and mental load: Heat, fatigue and constant focus make racing a mental as much as a physical sport – the hardest part is making razor‑sharp decisions while exhausted. Representation and numbers game: More girls are entering at grassroots now, but it will take years before that shows as more women in F3, F2 and F1. It’s not “if” but when. Cars not built for women (yet): From steering wheels and pedals to seat inserts, most hardware is designed around a male body – small design changes could make a big difference. Life outside the paddock matters: Trips to the local pub, time with friends and her dog, and staying “a normal 22‑year‑old” keep her grounded and joyful. Fans really do fund the dream: Merch, fan engagement and community support have directly contributed to Abbi being able to race this season.
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