The 2026 F1 Academy in-season test at Zandvoort was dominated by Alisha Palmowski, who topped all four sessions across the two days of running. Fresh off a home victory at Silverstone, the Briton strengthened her championship lead and now sits 30 points clear of Audi-backed Emma Felbermayr.
Reflecting on the two-day test at Zandvoort, Palmowski said: “It’s been a really positive two days here at Zandvoort. Firstly, it’s great to be back at the track. It’s a track that I love, old school.”
“It’s a bit like Silverstone, similar vibes, there’s no margin for error. There are grass, gravel and walls, so it’s very like the UK circuit, so I really enjoy driving here.”
Following the in-season test, the series now enters a month-long break before returning for the fourth round of the season. The 2026 F1 Academy grid will be back at Zandvoort from 21st-23rd August as racing resumes.
Palmowski: “I’m glad that all the hard work is paying off”
After dominating the test, Palmowski credited the work done at Campos Racing, noting that the team had found a strong setup for the car. Highlighting their competitiveness across different conditions, she expressed satisfaction that their hard work is continuing to pay off.
“We found a great balance in the car, we have been fast in all conditions, on all tyres, in long runs, in Qualifying sims. We have done a lot of work behind the scenes, these results don’t happen by accident.”
She added: “We are working incredibly hard on the sim, incredibly hard going through data with the team, so I’m glad that all the hard work is paying off.”
Palmowski said the team will be working hard to analyse the learnings gathered from the two-day test ahead of next month’s round at Zandvoort. However, despite returning to a circuit they have raced at before, she explained that they will still be comparing data from last year to continue improving their understanding of the car.
“I think the biggest area we will be working on is just analysing all the new data we have got this year. Obviously, it’s the same circuit as last year, it hasn’t changed. Ultimately, grip levels do change, conditions change, so comparing this year’s test to last year’s race weekend and last year’s test.”
Working hard and reviewing ahead of Round 4 in Zandvoort
“We’re going through all that data, watching last year’s race again. Seeing what we as a team could have done differently to prepare for the next race, which we have a long time to do. It’s still four or five weeks away.”, Palmowski said when discussing how the team are preparing for the next round.
Returning to the venue where she scored a P2 finish last year, the Briton is looking forward to getting back on track.
“I’m really excited to race here at Zandvoort. I just want to keep the momentum going. I don’t really want a summer break, which sounds bizarre.”
“But I’m just really excited. The atmosphere at Zandvoort is awesome. It’s the home of the Vengaboys, so what a vibe. Should be a good one.”
