F1 Academy | Canadian GP | Qualifying | Chambers secures pole position - Motorsport

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American driver Chloe Chambers has secured her third pole position of the 2025 F1 Academy campaign following a thrilling qualifying session at the Canadian GP.

The Red Bull-supported racer dominated the timing sheets during the 30-minute session, ultimately claiming pole for Sunday’s Race 3 with a commanding lap time of 1:38.125s. Her Campos Racing teammate Alisha Palmowski will join her on the front row, whilst Mercedes-backed Dorianne Pin completed the top three.

Due to adverse weather conditions that forced the cancellation of Race 2 in Miami, this weekend’s grid arrangements have been adjusted. Chambers will also start from pole position for Saturday’s Race 1, using the grid positions from the cancelled Miami encounter. Meanwhile, the Canadian qualifying session determined the starting orders for both Saturday’s Race 2 (with the top eight positions reversed) and Sunday’s finale.

The American had already demonstrated her pace during the sole practice session, leading a Campos Racing one-two ahead of the qualifying battle.

Green lights for Qualifying

The session began with several drivers exchanging fastest times in the opening stages. Alba Larsen initially impressed for MP Motorsport, posting a 1:40.910s before Williams Academy driver Lia Block briefly held the advantage.

Palmowski then established an early benchmark of 1:40.101s, with McLaren’s Ella Lloyd slotting into second just 0.053s behind after the first ten minutes. However, 16-year-old Larsen found considerable improvement to eclipse the field with a 1:39.552s effort, opening up a gap of more than six-tenths to her nearest rival.

The session’s tone changed dramatically in the latter stages as track conditions improved. Pin emerged from the Mercedes garage to immediately challenge for provisional pole, whilst the Campos duo began their decisive assault on the timesheet.

The final battle for pole

In a spectacular conclusion, Palmowski and Chambers engaged in a fierce team battle for supremacy. The British driver initially reclaimed the top spot, only to be immediately usurped by her American teammate.

Palmowski struck back with determination, edging Chambers by a mere 0.057s to temporarily secure pole position. However, Chambers demonstrated her class with a stunning response, lowering the benchmark to 1:38.696s as the session entered its final phase.

The Red Bull Ford-backed driver wasn’t finished there, producing a magnificent final effort of 1:38.125s that proved unassailable. The lap was over half a second quicker than her previous best, establishing a commanding advantage over the field.

Pin managed to split the Campos pairing in the final reckoning, securing third place ahead of Lloyd in fourth. Championship leader Maya Weug endured a disappointing session, ultimately qualifying in 14th position despite a late improvement.

The grid was set

With pole position secured, Chambers will be seeking to extend her impressive 2025 campaign from the front of the grid on Sunday. Palmowski’s second-place finish ensures Campos Racing will occupy the entire front row, whilst Pin’s third-place result gives Mercedes a strong platform for the weekend’s finale.

The additional two points awarded for pole position will further boost Chambers’ championship aspirations as the F1 Academy season continues to provide compelling racing action.