Red Bull’s 2026 Academy Programme will feature the return of Rafaela Ferreira and Alisha Palmowski after both drivers signed contract extensions. The Visa Cash App Racing Bulls Academy Programme and Red Bull Racing Pepe Jeans Academy Programme confirmed the renewals following successful debut seasons in F1 Academy.
Both drivers will build on the progress they made during their rookie campaigns as they enter their second year. Red Bull’s 2026 Academy Programme represents the programme’s third season supporting female racing talent in the series. The announcement comes as all ten F1 teams commit to multi-year F1 Academy extensions, demonstrating the series’ growing importance in motorsport.
Ferreira’s Development Journey
Rafaela Ferreira is currently competing in her first full season outside Brazil during her VCARB F1 Academy rookie campaign. The 20 year old arrived with momentum after excelling in the F4 Brazilian Championship in 2024. Her transition to international competition with Visa Cash App Racing Bulls Academy Programme proved challenging but ultimately rewarding.
Throughout the 2025 F1 Academy season, Ferreira was able to score points on five separate occasions. Her standout performance came with a P5 finish in Shanghai’s Reverse Grid Race.
Peter Bayer, CEO of Visa Cash App Racing Bulls, highlighted his excitement about Ferreira continuing with the academy for 2026: “Everyone at VCARB is thrilled to have Rafa represent our team for another season. She has become a big part of our family over the last year, and both Alan and I are excited to see how she continues to develop going into her second season.”
Ferreira also expressed gratitude following her contract renewal: “Returning for another season in F1 Academy will give me the chance to further develop my skills as a driver and I’m honoured to represent the VCARB family in the series.”
Palmowski’s Impressive Rookie Season
Alisha Palmowski made an immediate impact in her Red Bull F1 Academy debut season. The 19-year-old from Manchester won the Shanghai Reverse Grid race on debut. The victory established her as a driver to watch.
She secured four podium finishes across the season. Heading into this weekend’s Las Vegas GP finale, she sits in a top-five championship position with 73 points.
Laurent Mekies, the CEO and Team Principal of Oracle Red Bull Racing, praised Palmowski’s progression into Red Bull’s 2026 Academy Programme: “We’re very excited that Alisha will be continuing her journey in F1 Academy with Red Bull Racing. She has had a very promising rookie season and is going from strength to strength. She embodies the Red Bull spirit and is a fantastic flagbearer for Red Bull Racing in F1 Academy.”
Palmowski expressed enthusiasm about her extended Red Bull Academy commitment for 2026: “I’m really excited to continue my F1 Academy journey with Red Bull Racing. I’ve loved being part of the Team this last year and can’t wait to continue working hard next season.”
Programme’s Continued Growth
The Red Bull Academy programme noted that it will continue to oversee both academy branches into 2026. Sarah Harrington, Red Bull Academy’s Programme Manager, expressed satisfaction with both drivers heading into the 2026 season: “As a Team, we’re delighted to keep Alisha and Rafa on board for next year. We’ve enjoyed some great moments with both of them this season, particularly their debuts in Shanghai. Both have continued to progress as the year has gone on, and we’re eager to see their development as second-year drivers in 2026.”
As Red Bull Academy Programme enters its third season, the team remains dedicated to its mission of providing full-time support to its drivers, both on and off the track. The programme continues its role in developing the next generation of female racing talent with comprehensive resources and organizational backing.
Both Ferreira and Palmowski head into this weekend’s Las Vegas GP finale looking to end strong before their 2026 F1 Academy season with the Red Bull programme begins.
