Lisa Billard made a statement at the F1 Academy Chinese GP, scoring points in both races at the 2026 season opener. The 16-year-old Frenchwoman entered the championship on the back of a strong showing as the Wild Card entry at last year’s Singapore round, where she qualified an impressive fifth. Her performances at both the Rookie Test and Marina Bay ultimately helped secure her a full time seat at ART Grand Prix for 2026.
In Shanghai, Billard qualified in the top six, but a slow start in Race 1 hurt her chances. She dropped from third to eighth early in the race. Despite pressure from Ava Dobson, she held her position and secured the final available point. In Race 2, she finished seventh, with Billard and Payton Westcott being the only rookies to score in both races.
Reflecting on a positive first round in Shanghai
Reflecting on her F1 Academy Chinese GP debut, Billard was candid about what went well and where she needs to improve, saying: “I think it’s a very good start to the season because I showed my skills. The pace was there, the speed was here at the track.”
“Now I just need to improve my start massively for the next round, and maybe my race craft a bit. I’m very happy with the results. I finished both races in the points so that’s a really good start,” she stated.
Despite areas for improvement, scoring points in both races at the season opener provides a solid foundation for Billard to build on as the year progresses.
Targeting improvements ahead of Montreal
Billard was clear-eyed about the areas she wants to address before the next round, with her race starts identified as the primary focus. Despite limited testing opportunities, the rookie is determined to find solutions.
Billard was keen to highlight the lessons taken from the F1 Academy Chinese GP as she looks ahead to Montreal. She said: “I’ve really learned a lot, especially on what I need to improve. That was the goal so I’m super happy.”
“I think I’m going to do a lot of racing on the simulator. I don’t know how to practice my start but we’ll find a solution. I’m trying to do the best I can without testing. I’ve liked street circuits since Singapore so I’m really looking forward to this round,” she stated.
Following the cancellation of the Saudi Arabian GP, the next F1 Academy round is set for Montreal in May. However, as the championship enters a lengthy break before cars return to the track, Billard remains optimistic. When asked whether she can challenge for more points there, she did not shy away from ambitious targets: “Yeah, and maybe for a top five or maybe the podium, I don’t know. We never know what can happen.”
Currently eighth in the Drivers’ Standings with seven points, Billard demonstrated strong pace at the 2026 Chinese GP, indicating she has the speed to back up her ambitions.
