CHIARA BÄTTIG & MATHILDA PAATZ Make History with Double Female Podium at Estoril

January 30, 2026

• CHIARA BÄTTIG and MATHILDA PAATZ delivered only the second double female podium in Formula Winter Series history at Estoril’s season opener, with Red Bull Junior Bättig charging from the pit lane to second place and Paatz claiming third in a dramatic wet-weather Race 3. Their strategic tire gamble in deteriorating conditions was perfect – while others spun out, these two carved through the chaos like they owned the place.
• F1 Academy race winner ALISHA PALMOWSKI dominated qualifying by securing pole for Race 2 and third on the grid for Race 1, proving her credentials as the series returnee to watch. Despite mechanical setbacks that cost her a shot at becoming the first female Formula Winter Series winner, Palmowski consistently ran at the front when her car cooperated. Meanwhile, GINEVRA PANZERI grabbed her first-ever top-ten finish with a stellar ninth in Race 1, making the most of the opening-lap carnage to deliver her breakthrough performance.
• The weekend showcased five women battling competitively throughout the field, with RAFAELA FERREIRA consistently improving her pace and position despite qualifying setbacks from red flag interruptions. What we witnessed at Estoril wasn’t tokenism or feel-good stories – it was legitimate speed from drivers who’ve earned their spots. The championship now heads to Portimão with Bättig, Paatz and Palmowski all firmly in title contention.

estoril circuit, formula winter series, red bull junior team, wet weather racing