Palmowski eyes F1 Academy glory

Simmondley speedster Alisha Palmowski is within touching distance of landing the biggest prize in female motorsport. 

The 20-year-old travels to Austin this weekend for the penultimate round of the 2026 F1 Academy season, knowing that a strong performance would see her crowned champion. 

Palmowski is in pole position to become just the fourth driver ever to win the series, but despite going into the weekend with a 48-point lead, she admits she won’t be taking anything for granted: 

“I’m in a very privileged position, but equally, I’m just approaching Austin as a normal race weekend,” the Red Bull Racing driver told the Chronicle. 

“It’s motorsport, so I’m very much aware of how quickly things things can swing in your favour or against you - everything can change within a split second. 

“Although I am in a comfortable position for now, and have a nice buffer, I still can’t afford to make any mistakes and lose that advantage. 

“But I am very excited for Austin, because I do believe we can bring the championship home, and that would make Las Vegas [the final race weekend] a lot less stressful.” 

A 40-point lead or more after the third and final race of the weekend will see Glossop’s queen of speed take the crown. 

But Palmowski admits the Austin circuit will pose a significant challenge, being a new addition to the grid. 

“We only have one free practice session before going into qualifying, so I’ll probably only get six laps in before then,” revealed the former GB4 Championship runner-up.  

“There won’t be much time to learn the circuit or get up to speed, so it’ll be about who can learn the quickest. The adaptability will be key, and it just makes the sim prep that we’ve done 10 times more important than usual.” 

The former St Phillip Howard student - who recently visited her former school to inspire pupils - admits it would be a surreal feeling to lift the title, but also realises the importance of maintaining her focus ahead of a crucial weekend. 

“It would just be a dream come true”, she told the Chronicle.  

“I’ve not really allowed myself to think about it too much, because I don’t want to give myself bad luck. 

“But we’ve put so much effort into trying to achieve this championship win. Not just me, but my family, my race team - there’s so many people behind the scenes that never get any credit or limelight that have helped me so much along this 10/11-year journey. 

“It’s not just turning up this year and hoping for the best, it’s every day I’ve spent in the gym and on the sim, just trying to get any advantage I can, and trying to make myself a better driver and a better person. 

“But it would be an incredible feeling, and I’m sure there would be a big party!” 

Round Five gets underway this Thursday (October 22), with all three races, along with qualifying, livestreamed for free via the F1 Academy YouTube channel.