Nina Gademan not only secured her first-ever victory in the F1 Academy in Zandvoort on Saturday, but she also did so on her birthday. “So, this victory is special for several reasons,” she said.
On the day she turned 22, Gademan was the icing on her own birthday cake. This was much to the delight of the audience in Zandvoort who had stayed after the Formula 1 qualifying. The spectators who decided to watch the first of two F1 Academy races were treated to an exciting race with a pleasing result for Dutch standards.
“It’s wonderful to win my home race,” Gademan exulted after she managed to keep fellow countrywoman Maya Weug behind her. Weug added to the national success by finishing third. But Gademan was the biggest celebrant; due to her victory, her birthday, and the bizarre lead-up to the race.
“On Friday, I was deemed not fit enough and I was therefore afraid I might miss the race. Fortunately, it worked out. But all in all, I’ve had a crazy 24 hours,” Gademan said.
Last year, she made her debut in Zandvoort when she received a wildcard. The Alpine driver already made an impression by finishing fourth. “Since then, I’ve been close to winning twice, but mechanical problems prevented that. It’s great that it has now worked out. And in my own country, too.”
The second race in the F1 Academy is on Sunday. The women, including Gademan and Weug as well as Esmee Kosterman on the grid, start at 10:40 AM CET.
