Palmowski returns from Qatar with her head held high

Glossop motorsport star Alisha Palmowski raced to a fifth-place finish in her debut F1 Academy race in Qatar on Saturday. 

The 18-year-old was selected as the Wild Card entry in Lusail after impressing in the GB4 Championship earlier this year, in which she finished as the overall runner up on debut. 

Palmowski was very much the underdog going into last weekend’s event, facing off against 15 other drivers all with F1 Academy experience. 

Despite this, she looked at home from minute one, finishing third in the second round of practice before securing sixth place in qualifying. 

After starting sixth in Race 1, Palmowski moved up a spot at the expense of P4 starter Lia Block after an intense battle for fifth, bringing home points in her first ever F1 Academy race. 

Race 1 also saw Mercedes' Doriane Pin claim a dominant victory from pole position, while Brit Abbi Pulling secured the 2024 F1 Academy title with a second-place finish. 

Race 2, which was due to take place on Sunday, would have seen Palmowski start in fourth position after qualifying, but due to extended barrier repairs at the Lusail International Circuit, the race was cancelled. 

As a result, no points were awarded, however, France’s Doriane Pin received two points for her pole in qualifying. 

Following Saturday’s race, Palmowski told the Chronicle: 

“It’s been an amazing experience competing as the Wild Card in F1 Academy at Qatar. 

“It was a difficult weekend as we struggled with the balance of the car during qualifying and Race 1 which caused severe graining on my tyres making it a huge challenge.  

“Nevertheless, we showed great pace on Friday during practice, finishing in the top three. 

“I have learnt absolutely loads and am extremely grateful for the whole experience,” she added.