Alba Larsen secured her first front-row start in F1 Academy Qualifying at the 2026 Chinese GP, but admitted there is still more pace to unlock this weekend. The Ferrari driver held provisional pole during the early stages of the session before Alisha Palmowski went four-tenths quicker. A small mistake on Larsen’s final flying lap prevented her from responding, leaving her second on the grid. Despite missing out on pole, the result marked her strongest qualifying performance in the series so far and provided fresh confidence as she targets a maiden podium.
Larsen encouraged by best-ever F1 Academy Qualifying result at Chinese GP
Larsen expressed satisfaction with securing second place in Qualifying, describing it as a strong step forward and her best starting position in F1 Academy so far. She also highlighted the positive start to her partnership with Ferrari, noting that the team shared her optimism about the result. At the same time, the Dane acknowledged that the gap to pole should have been smaller, admitting a mistake on her quickest lap likely cost her the chance to challenge for the top spot. Still, with encouraging race pace and a front-row start, she felt confident that the races could offer plenty of opportunities.
“I’m very happy overall with qualifying P2 and on the front row – my best start in F1 ACADEMY. It’s a really good start in the partnership with Ferrari and I think they’re also very happy.”
“Obviously the gap needs to be a bit closer but I did make a mistake on my best lap so I think there’s a little bit more to find from my side. I know the race pace is good so with a front row start, I’m definitely very happy and for the races, it means there’s a lot that can happen.”
Larsen confident Shanghai pace can translate into podium challenge
Larsen also reflected positively on the Shanghai International Circuit after F1 Academy Qualifying, explaining that she quickly felt comfortable on the demanding layout of the Chinese GP. She noted that Charles Leclerc had once described the track as one of the most challenging on the calendar, yet she felt it suited her driving style well. Looking ahead to the races, Larsen recalled strong battles at the circuit last season but admitted that finishing fourth had been the limit of her results. This time, she set her sights higher, hoping to fight for a podium finish and potentially challenge for victory.
“I don’t know! It’s a very nice track. Charles Leclerc said to me that for him, it’s the most challenging track but I seem to be quite good here, so I’m very much looking forward to the races.”
“The races last year were really good, and I definitely hope I can do better than last year where P4 was the best. I definitely hope I can stand on the podium and maybe go for the win as well.”
