Alisha Palmowski Sets the Pace in Shanghai F1 Academy Practice
Alisha Palmowski of Red Bull Racing kicked off the 2026 F1 Academy season with a dominant performance in the practice session at the Shanghai International Circuit. She secured the top spot with a lap time of 2:04.550, demonstrating early confidence as the series begins.
A Tight Session with Emerging Talents
Despite completing the fewest laps, Palmowski’s time was 0.467 seconds faster than Alba Larsen of Ferrari. Peyton Westcott, a rookie driver with Mercedes, rounded out the top three, showcasing the competitive depth of the field. Eleven drivers were making their full-time series debut, adding to the dynamic of the session.
Early Competition and Track Adaptation
The session began with a gradual pace, as drivers familiarized themselves with the Shanghai International Circuit. Larsen initially set the pace, but PUMA driver Rachel Robertson quickly challenged, closing the gap to just over two tenths of a second. The limited practice time proved crucial for both experienced racers and newcomers alike, as they navigated the dusty track conditions.
Shifting Leadership Throughout the Session
The lead changed hands multiple times during the 40-minute session. Robertson briefly held the fastest time before being overtaken by Nina Gademan, and then Emma Felbermayr. Westcott then took the lead, only to be surpassed by Larsen, creating a thrilling back-and-forth battle. Palmowski ultimately secured the top spot, with the top four drivers separated by a mere 0.071 seconds.
Rookie Performances and Incident Report
Rafaela Ferreira (Campos Racing) finished fourth, followed by Lisa Billard, who was the second-fastest rookie in fifth place. A brief yellow flag was triggered when Shi Wei spun at Turn 1, but she was able to rejoin the session. Mathilda Paatz, Ella Lloyd, Felbermayr, Megan Bruce, and Gademan completed the top ten.
Looking Ahead: Qualifying and Race Schedule
The first Qualifying session is scheduled for 14:10 local time (UTC+8). The results will determine the starting grids for both races. The top eight qualifiers will have their order reversed for Race 1, adding an extra layer of strategy to the weekend.
F1 Academy: A Breeding Ground for Future Stars
The F1 Academy is gaining recognition as a vital stepping stone for female drivers aspiring to reach Formula 1. The series provides a dedicated platform for developing talent and increasing representation in motorsport.
The Rise of Female Drivers in Motorsport
Historically, motorsport has been a male-dominated field. Yet, initiatives like the F1 Academy are actively working to change this. By providing equal opportunities and focused development programs, the series aims to nurture the next generation of female racing stars.
Impact of Dedicated Series
Dedicated racing series, such as W Series and now F1 Academy, are proving instrumental in accelerating the careers of female drivers. These platforms offer consistent racing experience, media exposure, and access to resources that were previously limited.
FAQ
Q: What is the F1 Academy?
A: F1 Academy is a single-seater racing series designed to prepare female drivers for Formula 1.
Q: How does the qualifying format work?
A: The top eight qualifiers will have their order reversed to determine the grid for Race 1.
Q: Where is the next session taking place?
A: The next session is the Qualifying session at the Shanghai International Circuit.
Q: Who is Alisha Palmowski?
A: Alisha Palmowski is a driver for Red Bull Racing in the F1 Academy.
Did you know? Alisha Palmowski previously won Race 1 at Shanghai in 2025, and has spoken about how that win was ‘life-changing’ for her title aspirations.
Stay tuned for further updates from the F1 Academy season. Explore more articles on F1 Academy to learn more about the drivers and the series.