ALISHA PALMOWSKI crowned 2026 F1 Academy champion in Austin

October 28, 2026

• ALISHA PALMOWSKI sealed the 2026 F1 Academy title a round early in Austin, clinching her fifth win of the season and stretching her lead to an insurmountable 53 points.
• The 20-year-old from Glossop became the youngest-ever F1 Academy champion, starting from pole and holding off a fierce challenge from Mercedes driver PAYTON WESTCOTT in Race 1.
• PALMOWSKI surged from P8 to P2 in Saturday’s reverse-grid race to mathematically wrap up the crown, capping a dominant Red Bull Racing campaign built on relentless teamwork.
• Sunday’s finale ended in retirement after contact with Ferrari’s ALBA LARSEN, but nothing could dim PALMOWSKI’s historic achievement on a landmark weekend for women’s motorsport.
• PALMOWSKI dedicated the title to her ill grandmother and family, crediting her dad-turned-mechanic and mum, who attended every race throughout her career from age eight onward.

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