Pit Debrief

Motorsport news

Pit Debrief

Motorsport news

Tag: Payton Westcott

Westcott Women in Motorsport
Photo Credit: Mercedes F1 Team

Exclusive: “I can inspire others” — Westcott shares her hopes for the future of women in motorsport

Antonina Jaromin04 mins

Having witnessed the growing presence of women in motorsport, 2026 F1 Academy rookie Payton Westcott hopes to inspire the next generation to follow in her footsteps. The 17-year-old American began karting at the age of six before progressing through several junior single-seater categories, including Formula Winter Series, E4 Championship, UAE4 Series, and Italian F4. Now…

Read Full News
Westcott 2026 F1 Academy Doriane Pin
Photo Credit: Mercedes F1 Team

Exclusive: “She really truly is an inspiration” — Westcott on Doriane Pin’s influence and Mercedes’ support throughout her F1 Academy journey

Antonina Jaromin03 mins

For Payton Westcott, Mercedes’ support extends beyond her F1 Academy seat, with Doriane Pin’s mentorship helping the American navigate her rookie season. Mercedes joined F1 Academy in 2024, with Pin becoming its first representative in the all-female series. The French driver made an immediate impression, finishing runner-up in her debut season before returning to claim…

Read Full News
Payton Westcott reflects on missing F1 Academy pole in Austin and now targets victory from two front-row starts at her home round.
Photo Credit: F1 Academy

Westcott targets 2026 F1 Academy Austin victory after narrowly missing double pole

Karishma Persad04 mins

Payton Westcott remains confident of challenging for victory at the 2026 F1 Academy United States GP after narrowly missing out on pole position during a closely contested Qualifying session at the Circuit of the Americas. The Mercedes-backed PREMA Racing driver delivered one of her strongest performances of the season, securing second place on the grid…

Read Full News
Alisha Palmowski secures double pole in Austin after her fastest lap is reinstated, putting the 2026 F1 Academy title within reach
Photo Credit: F1 Academy

Palmowski describes “rollercoaster of emotions” after dramatic double pole in F1 Academy Austin qualifying

Karishma Persad010 mins

Red Bull Racing-backed Alisha Palmowski described a “rollercoaster of emotions” after securing a dramatic double pole position during qualifying for the 2026 F1 Academy United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA). The championship leader initially lost her fastest lap to a track limits infringement before having it reinstated, allowing her to…

Read Full News
Westcott 2026 F1 Academy
Photo Credit: Mercedes F1 Team

Exclusive: Westcott assesses 2026 F1 Academy season and targets climb up standings in final two rounds

Antonina Jaromin07 mins

Payton Westcott has established herself as a standout rookie on the 2026 F1 Academy grid, with her maiden win at Zandvoort marking a significant milestone in her debut season. The PREMA Racing driver sits fifth in the Drivers’ Standings with 49 points, making her the highest-ranked rookie heading into the final two rounds. Westcott has…

Read Full News
Mercedes-backed Payton Westcott during the 2026 F1 Academy season.
Photo Credit: Mercedes F1 Team

Exclusive: “You always have to be working towards your goal” — Westcott reflects on her journey to F1 Academy and lessons learnt along the way

Yi Xing Lim08 mins

For F1 Academy rookie Payton Westcott, her journey into motorsport began with a shared family passion for racing, which saw her get behind the wheel of a kart for the first time at six years old. Since then, Westcott has worked her way up through the ranks to the F1 Academy grid, where she is…

Read Full News
2026 F1 Academy Dutch GP
Photo Credit: F1 Academy

F1 Academy: The winners and losers of the 2026 Dutch GP

Antonina Jaromin07 mins

Driving at the iconic Zandvoort circuit for the last time, the 2026 F1 Academy Dutch GP delivered drama, breakthrough performances, and crucial championship moments. While some drivers strengthened their campaigns, others suffered setbacks at a crucial stage of the season. Winners of the 2026 F1 Academy Dutch GP Alisha Palmowski – Campos Racing (supported by…

Read Full News
Payton Westcott reflects on her maiden F1 Academy win at Zandvoort and the confidence it gives her ahead of Sunday’s Feature Race.
Photo Credit: F1 Academy

Westcott “so relieved” after maiden F1 Academy victory at Zandvoort

Karishma Persad04 mins

Payton Westcott described her maiden F1 Academy victory as a major confidence boost after controlling the Dutch GP Reverse Grid Race from start to finish at Zandvoort. The PREMA Racing driver originally qualified ninth before Zoe Florescu’s disqualification promoted her to eighth and, consequently, reverse-grid pole. Westcott capitalised fully on the opportunity, controlling the start…

Read Full News