The 2026 F1 Academy Drivers’ Champion Alisha Palmowski will compete in the 2027 Race of Champions (ROC) World Final in Wellington, New Zealand, joining an international field featuring several of motorsport’s most accomplished competitors. The Red Bull Academy Programme driver will make her debut at the event on 9–10 January, more than a decade after attending the competition as a spectator.
Palmowski secured the 2026 F1 Academy title at the United States GP in Austin, becoming the championship’s fourth Drivers’ Champion. The Briton clinched the title during Saturday’s Reverse Grid Race, recovering from eighth to second to establish an unassailable points advantage with three races remaining.
Her championship success has now earned her an invitation to ROC, where she will compete alongside former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard and several other international racing stars.
Palmowski reflects on dream Race of Champions opportunity
Palmowski’s participation carries particular personal significance, having attended the 2015 Race of Champions at London’s Olympic Stadium with her father. Twelve years later, she will return to the event as a competitor following her successful F1 Academy campaign.
The British driver expressed her excitement at receiving the invitation, particularly the opportunity to share the event with Coulthard, whom she previously watched compete.
“Receiving an invitation to the Race Of Champions after winning the F1 Academy title in Austin is an absolute dream come true for me. I experienced ROC in London’s Olympic Stadium in 2015 as a spectator with my dad and absolutely loved the atmosphere. To be able to compete in this amazing event together with an absolute legend like David Coulthard is a dream come true.”
Vettel, Bottas and Coulthard headline Wellington field
Palmowski joins a high-profile line-up that includes four-time Formula 1 World Champion Sebastian Vettel, former F1 driver Valtteri Bottas and 13-time Grand Prix winner Coulthard. Travis Pastrana, New Zealand drifting star Mad Mike Whiddett and rally driver Hayden Paddon have also been confirmed, alongside Australian Supercars competitors Chaz Mostert, Will Brown and Brodie Kostecki.
The event will take place at Hnry Stadium in Wellington, which will be transformed into a purpose-built tarmac circuit. Competitors will race head-to-head in identical machinery, placing the emphasis on driver performance rather than differences between cars.
The ROC Nations Cup will take place on Saturday, 9 January, determining the winning nation, while the individual Race of Champions will follow on Sunday, 10 January, to crown the Champion of Champions.
Further driver announcements are expected before the event, as Palmowski prepares to make her first ROC appearance following her championship-winning F1 Academy season.
