Following an impressive wild card entry during Formula 1 Academy’s Qatar race weekend, Alisha Palmowski has debuted in her first full season in 2025 under the sponsorship of Red Bull Racing.
A series of podiums and a maiden win sees Palmowski setting her sights on the championship title for the second half of the season. Currently sitting 5th in the championship standings, with 53 points, she is the highest-placing rookie this year.
A strong start in Shanghai
There is no better ways to start the season, than standing on the top spot of the podium. That is exactly where Palmowski found herself during Round 1 in Shanghai. After qualifying in P5, she positioned herself well to challenge the front runners.
In Race 1, it looked as though the Brit would finish second, but late problems for race leader Nina Gademan on the penultimate lap, meant that the win was Palmowski’s for the taking. She put in a strong defence against her teammate Chloe Chambers, and was able to bring home the victory.
During the second race of the weekend, Palmowski battled hard for P5 with Felbermayer, after losing the position on lap 9. In challenging conditions, she brought the car home in P6 – albeit with some contact involved.
The first round showcased some serious speed from the rookie, and she entered the second round in 4th place in the championship.
Consistency is key
Alisha Palmowski made the most of the momentum moving into the second round in Jeddah. Qualifying in P4 gave her a strong chance at repeating her previous success. A chaotic opening race saw her finish with a well-earned podium, after finishing in P3. She then went on to secure P4 in Race 2.
A rain-soaked Miami made things difficult; however, an early lap in Qualifying saw her sitting in P2. It was a reverse grid for the first race of the weekend, and Palmowski worked her way through the field for yet another podium finish. Unfortunately, Race 2 had to be postponed due to unsafe racing conditions, meaning her P2 start was also postponed.
Struggles in Montreal
The most recent round in Montreal was a mixed bag for the young Brit. She showed a strong pace on a damp Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, topping free practice and qualifying P2. However, in Race 1, which was in replacement of Miami’s postponed Race 2, a lock-up going into Turn 1 caused contact with Chambers. Palmowski was given a 10-second penalty for this, relegating her to P12
The next two races saw a return to her point-scoring ways. A P6 finish in Race 2 was shortly followed by a P7 finish in Race 3. However, they were not without incident. Starting on the front row in Race 3, Palmowski made contact with Ella Lloyd in Turn 3. This resulted in her spinning out, and losing track position. Overall, it was a strong recovery drive from Palmowski to the finish line.
Looking ahead: Zandvoort and Beyond
The next round of Formula 1 Academy is to be held in Zandvoort. Here, Palmowski will be looking to continue to build on her strong Qualifying form. She is yet to achieve her maiden pole position and will be setting her sights on this goal. With her growing confidence in the car, this may not be too far from reach.
Alisha Palmowski has a strong race craft, which has allowed her to work her way through the points various times this season. However, on-track incidents have cost her valuable points. Should she wish to challenge for a top spot in the championship, her mission is clear. Palmowski must maintain consistency, minimise errors and drive a clean race.
As a rookie, the opening half of the season has been very impressive. With increased experience in the car, her speed and ability are only set to get stronger.
