Alisha Palmowski delivered a standout drive at the Dutch GP, scoring her first runner-up finish in the main F1 Academy format. The result came after a tense wheel-to-wheel contest with McLaren’s Ella Lloyd, who initially got the better launch but later fell behind once penalties were applied.
A battle defined by fine margins
From the start, it looked as though the race might slip away from Palmowski. Lloyd, lining up just ahead, made use of the drier left-hand side of the grid and gained the upper hand on the opening lap. That small edge proved decisive in the early stages, as Palmowski found herself needing to apply constant pressure to stay within striking range.
The Briton’s race quickly became defined by this duel. With the gap rarely exceeding one second, Palmowski stalked her rival lap after lap, searching for an opening on a circuit known for being narrow, technical, and notoriously difficult to overtake on.
Lloyd’s penalty turns the tide in Palmowski’s favour
In the end, it was not a daring move but Race Control’s intervention that swung the balance. Lloyd was found to have jumped the start, earning a five-second time penalty. This transformed the complexion of the battle, effectively guaranteeing Palmowski the runner-up spot provided she could maintain close contact.
Questioned about how she found the battle with Lloyd, she said: “It was stressful, definitely! It’s so hard to get close enough to be able to make a move but Ella made a few mistakes, went a little bit wide. I’d made a mistake at Turn 3 towards the end of the race. We’re so on the limit every lap and we’re talking tenths of a second, just half a metre here and there can make the difference.”
“I think at any other circuit I probably would have been able to overtake her but it’s just so difficult around here with it being so tight, twisty and technical. We did a good job overall.”
Recognition from the paddock
Performances like this never go unnoticed in the F1 Academy paddock, particularly when Red Bull Racing has one of its own juniors in the spotlight. Laurent Mekies, Team Principal of Oracle Red Bull Racing, was among the first to congratulate Palmowski after the race. His presence underlined just how closely the senior outfit is monitoring her development.
Palmowski herself acknowledged that while she may have had the speed to challenge Lloyd outright, the Zandvoort layout simply offered no margin for error when attempting overtakes.
“I think I was a little bit quicker than her, but it’s just so difficult to follow and overtake around here. I think we maximised the opportunity really and it was a big step forward based on yesterday so I’m really happy.”
Eyes on the Championship fight
Beyond the podium ceremony, the implications of Palmowski’s P2 were significant. In the championship standings, Ella Lloyd continues to hold the upper hand, but the gap is now only 11 points ahead of Palmowski in the 2025 F1 Academy Standings. With two rounds left to run, the battle between the pair is shaping into one of the fiercest contests in the top five.
For Palmowski, every point gained now matters. Lloyd’s penalty in Zandvoort may have been the deciding factor this time, but Palmowski’s persistence ensured she was close enough to take advantage. As she acknowledged, this consistency is the real marker of progress — a foundation that can carry her forward into the next decisive phase of the season.
Looking ahead to a new experience in Singapore
The next stop for F1 Academy is Singapore, an event that brings a whole new challenge for Palmowski. She has never raced there, but the prospect of a fresh circuit is more energising than intimidating. Known for her ability to learn tracks quickly, she believes limited practice will play to her strengths.
She explained: “We’re going to have limited track time which will probably suit me to be honest — that’s one of my strengths, learning a new circuit quickly. I’m not looking forward to the heat though!”
“I think we made a really good, solid step forward today in terms of race pace. We just need to analyse what I did differently based on yesterday so that we can make sure we keep this improvement going forward. I’m excited.”
Building momentum as the season nears its end
Palmowski’s runner-up finish at the 2025 Dutch GP not only represents a personal best in the F1 Academy championship but also signals growing momentum at a crucial stage of the season.
As the season approaches its climax, Palmowski’s ambitions remain clear: continue closing the gap to Lloyd, build on the step forward in race pace, and keep learning quickly in unfamiliar environments. If she sustains this momentum, the season finale could see her not just consolidating a top-five finish, but pushing for even greater rewards.
