Gatorade-backed Lisa Billard heads into both races at the 2026 F1 Academy Silverstone round with high hopes after securing a career-best P3 in Friday’s Qualifying session. Billard improved on her debut weekend Qualifying result of P5 to secure her best finish yet, and now has her sights set on a maiden F1 Academy podium.
As one of eight drivers racing at Silverstone for the first time this weekend, she enters the third round of the season having only gained mileage around the iconic circuit during in-season testing. Reflecting on her session, Billard said: “I’m really happy because it’s the first time for me here at Silverstone.”
“It’s such a nice track to drive, it’s really fun. I think I could have done better if I lined everything on my lap but I was struggling a bit with the car this morning and it was definitely better for Qualifying.”
“I was struggling with oversteer a lot this morning. We changed the car a bit and it was more stable on high-speed corners. I was more confident to push to the limit, so I think that was the difference.”
The French driver’s best lap of a 2:02.180 saw her only sit four tenths adrift from polesitter Chiara Bättig, who continues to impress on her debut weekend. Nonetheless, while Qualifying sessions have gone reasonably well for Billard this year, she looks to convert that pace into results in both the Reverse-Grid and Feature Races this weekend.
Billard looking to bring “some trophies home”
For the Reverse-Grid race, Billard will start on the third row. Looking to build and learn ahead of Sunday’s main race, she explained that Saturday’s race will be largely about gathering experience to carry into the Feature Race. Noting that she has a strong package and pace underneath her, Billard has her sights firmly set on bringing home some results for ART Grand Prix.
“Tomorrow will be to take experience and learn as much as possible, especially on my racecraft. I know I have the pace but I need to take experience during races to be ready to get some trophies home on Sunday.”
She added: “It’s a good opportunity and I will enjoy every lap to make the most of it. I have good pace and now I need to put everything together to get the result I deserve.”
Heading into the third round of the 2026 F1 Academy season in Silverstone, Billard sits 12th in the Drivers’ Standings with 12 points. Having started her weekend off on the right foot, the French driver will be hoping to climb further up the standings.
