Alisha Palmowski is confident as she enters this afternoon’s F1 Academy Qualifying session in Montreal, having topped the timesheets in Free Practice. However, the Red Bull-supported driver remains grounded, fully aware that securing her first pole position will require nothing short of perfection.
Preparation pays off for Palmowski
With only one session available to learn the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve prior to Qualifying, preparation proved paramount. Fortunately for Palmowski, the extensive simulator work undertaken ahead of Round 4 paid immediate dividends. From the outset of Free Practice, she demonstrated pace and composure, engaging in a session-long exchange of fastest laps with her Campos Racing teammate, Chloe Chambers.
Ultimately, it was Palmowski who emerged on top. Her benchmark time of 1:38.898 put her 0.074 seconds clear of Chambers at the chequered flag. Reflecting on the session, the Briton credited her success to meticulous preparation and a well-balanced car.
“It was a really strong session,” she began. “We’ve done hundreds and hundreds of laps on the simulator, both at the Red Bull Racing Technology Campus in Milton Keynes and also at the Campos factory in Valencia. Lots of preparation work has gone into it and that’s obviously really helped me out on track.”
“The sims are so realistic, so all my braking references, my turning references and all the kerb usage, everything was just as I expected. The car felt really good as well, great baseline set-up. There’s still some time to find, nevertheless though, I know some areas where I can find some more time, but a great baseline and a good confidence booster.”
Campos Racing’s momentum sontinues
Indeed, Campos Racing have already stamped their authority on the 2025 F1 Academy campaign. As leaders of the Teams’ Standings, the Spanish outfit have delivered strong performances across a variety of circuits. Their pace in Montreal suggests they are primed for another successful weekend.
“In Campos Racing this year, we do have a very strong outfit in general, but especially in FP, myself and Chloe up in the top two,” she added. “Quite a margin as well we’ve got to third place, which is always nice to have. It’s great to see Rafa in the top-seven as well, so fingers crossed we can replicate that in Qualifying.
“I know it’s going to be difficult once F1 have been out. The grip levels will rise and the temperatures are rising as well now. There’ll be a different dynamic and how the car will feel on the circuit later on today for Qualifying and but I’m super excited and I think it’s all to play for.”
Eyes on pole position
Palmowski’s upward trajectory in Qualifying has not gone unnoticed. After starting the season with fifth in Round 1, she improved to fourth in Round 2, and secured second in Miami. Now, the Red Bull-backed driver believes she is ready to take the final step.
“My Qualifying this year has been an upwards trajectory,” said Palmowski. “P5 in Round 1, P4 in Round 2 and P2 in Miami, so now we’ve got to go P1. We’ll try, we’re definitely in the fight for pole.
“I feel confident, but equally, I know Chloe is very strong. I know there are other cars that are going to be very strong as well, I’m expecting Doriane to be up there as well naturally. So, it’ll be tough and we still don’t really know what to expect because I’m expecting the conditions will change a lot, but absolutely we’re aiming for pole, that would be amazing.”
Anticipating a competitive Qualifying
While the track will likely evolve significantly by the time Qualifying begins—particularly after Formula 1 cars have laid down additional rubber—Palmowski appears unfazed. Her pace, preparation and positivity suggest that she could be a serious contender for her maiden pole position. Nonetheless, with rivals like Chambers and Doriane Pin looming, the battle for top spot promises to be fiercely competitive.
