Alisha Palmowski Crowned 2026 F1 Academy Champion in Austin

Alisha Palmowski has clinched the 2026 F1 Academy Drivers’ title after a determined drive from eighth to second in the Austin Reverse Grid Race. While Palmowski sealed the championship with three races to spare, the spotlight was shared with Ferrari’s Alba Larsen, who secured her maiden victory in the series.

Why it matters:

Palmowski's title win cements her status as the dominant force of the 2026 season, highlighting the strength of the Red Bull Racing talent pipeline. By securing the championship early, the narrative of the remaining races shifts from a title fight to a developmental showcase, allowing other drivers to fight for prestige and momentum heading into the 2027 season.

The details:

• The Charge: Entering the race with a 63-point advantage over Emma Felbermayr, Palmowski navigated a chaotic field to finish P2, mathematically eliminating her rivals' chances.
• Larsen's Breakthrough: Following an early Safety Car triggered by contact between Rafaela Ferreira and Jade Jacquet, Alba Larsen seized the lead. She maintained a controlled pace to win by 2.3 seconds, converting a string of recent podiums into her first win.
• Podium Results: Lisa Billard completed the top three, securing her first-ever podium finish after a strong overtake on Ferreira at Turn 1.
• The Competition: Title rival Emma Felbermayr finished fourth, unable to keep pace with the champion's recovery drive.

What's next:

With the drivers' title decided, the focus shifts to Sunday’s Feature Race. Palmowski, now the fourth champion in the series' history, will start on pole position as she hunts for her sixth victory of the 2026 season to further solidify her legacy.