Alisha Palmowski Clinches F1 Academy Title in Austin

BBC Sport · 2026-10-25
Alisha Palmowski Clinches F1 Academy Title in Austin

Britain's Alisha Palmowski secured the F1 Academy title at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, capping a dominant season with a championship-winning performance. The 20-year-old from Glossop, Derbyshire, finished second in Race 1 to seal the crown with one race remaining, becoming the second British champion in the all-female series after Abbi Pulling in 2024. Palmowski entered the weekend leading the standings and managed her advantage through a strategic drive, holding off rivals including Chloe Chambers and Rafaela Ferreira. Her title marks a rapid rise after winning the 2024 GB4 Championship and stepping into F1 Academy with Campos Racing. The victory solidifies her status as a top prospect in motorsport's female talent pipeline, with the series backed by Formula 1 to develop future stars. Palmowski's achievement underscores the growing competitiveness of women in single-seaters and sets up a likely move up the racing ladder in 2026. The title also brings a fully funded seat in the 2026 GB3 Championship, offering a clear path toward higher categories. As F1 Academy continues to expand its global footprint, champions like Palmowski are poised to break new ground in motorsport.