F1A: Read the latest of F1 Academy reports, news, opinions, and more by Pit Debrief.
Payton Westcott delivered a stellar performance in her first practice session at the F1 Academy Chinese GP. She had a top 3 finish in the session, behind Alisha Palmowski and Alba Larsen. The Mercedes-backed driver finished third fastest in the session, setting a time of 2:05.041, which was the fastest time out of the rookies…
The F1 Academy Chinese GP Practice session opened the 2026 season at the Shanghai International Circuit. Drivers headed out for the first running of the weekend as the new campaign got underway. The early laps offered a first look at the grid ahead of qualifying. Last season’s top three, Doriane Pin, Maya Weug and Chloe…
The 2026 F1 Academy season began at the Shanghai International Circuit during the Chinese GP, with Red Bull-supported Alisha Palmowski setting the fastest time in a damp and dusty 40-minute Free Practice session. With 18 drivers on the grid, the opening session offered the first indication of the competitive order for the weekend. Palmowski’s 2:04.550…
British racing driver Alisha Palmowski approaches the 2026 F1 Academy season with a calm confidence shaped by experience. After a demanding rookie year, the 19-year-old returns to the grid with Campos Racing under the banner of the Red Bull Junior Team determined to transform the lessons of 2025 into a full championship challenge. A new…
In only a few seasons, F1 Academy has undergone a dramatic transformation. What began as a relatively quiet initiative aimed at supporting young female drivers has rapidly evolved into one of the most influential development platforms in motorsport, which is something Managing Director Susie Wolff has been part of every step of the way in…
Ahead of the 2026 F1 Academy season opener in Shanghai, the championship has announced an official partnership with leading global beauty retailer Sephora, including the backing of an entry on the grid with Natalia Granada behind the wheel. The partnership comes as both organisations aim to support female talents on the global stage, encouraging them…
After clinching podium finishes and gaining significant recognition during an impressive run in F1 Academy, Aurelia Nobels willmake the leap to the competitive GB3 Championship for the 2026 season with Hillspeed. Her transition into GB3 marks the next stage in a rapidly advancing career that began at the age of 10 in Brazilian karting. Nobels’…
The 2025 F1 Academy season saw Doriane Pin cement her place as one of motorsport’s rising stars. Driving for PREMA Racing under the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS umbrella, the French driver claimed the F1 Academy Drivers’ Championship, showcasing consistency, speed, and tactical brilliance across a fiercely competitive calendar. A strong start After losing out on the Championship…
American racer Payton Westcott will launch her rookie campaign in the 2026 F1 Academy season at the Chinese Grand Prix on 13–15 March, carrying a bold new look inspired by the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team challenger. Her car mirrors the PETRONAS green flow line that defines the 2026 Mercedes-AMG F1 W17 E PERFORMANCE. A dynamic…
The Aston Martin Aramco F1 Team has officially unveiled its 2026 F1 Academy livery with Mathilda Paatz set to represent the Silverstone-based team in her first full season in the championship. The striking design reflects the team’s AMR26 F1 livery and carries the iconic Aston Martin racing green onto the F1 Academy grid. As a…
