F1 Academy 2026: Alisha Palmowski snags pole in Shanghai for a wild season opener
Here we go. The 2026 season of F1 Academy has kicked off with a bang, and honestly, what an opener. We're in the thick of it here in Shanghai, and after Friday's qualifying, we're set for a season that's shaping up to be something truly special. Forget boring laps and predictable results – these drivers are fighting for every inch of tarmac.
Palmowski delivered when it counted
If anyone was hungry to get out of the starting blocks, it was Alisha Palmowski. The Brit from the Red Bull program has been circling the top for a while, but it all finally came together yesterday. She snatched her career-first pole position with a blistering lap time of 2:04.182. It wasn't just a pole; it was a statement. She smashed her competitors by over four-tenths of a second – and in the world of Formula 1, that's an absolute age. It sends a clear message to the whole field: Palmowski isn't here to make up the numbers; she's here to win.
Right on her tail is Ferrari's Alba Larsen. Wow, does this young driver look sharp. She actually held provisional pole for over half the session, and with a second-place finish, she's proved that last year wasn't just a flash in the pan from a rookie. It was close, it was intense, and it bodes well for the rest of the weekend.
Denmark's Alba Larsen: From talent to title contender?
You can't talk about this season without mentioning our very own, Alba Larsen. The 17-year-old Larsen, driving for the Ferrari family, has been touted as one of Denmark's biggest hopes for a while now. After last season, where she snuck into the top five several times, expectations were sky-high. And she's not disappointing. To put the pressure on a Red Bull driver like Palmowski in the season's first real duel and snag second place in qualifying is top-tier. It catapults her right into the spotlight as one to watch when championship points are on the line.
New names, big dreams, and a powerhouse partnership
The 2026 grid is a potent mix of experienced names and hungry rookies. Alongside Palmowski and Larsen, we have Emma Felbermayr from Audi, who qualified in third, and a host of young talents knocking on the door. The rookies showed their teeth right from the start. Payton Westcott in Mercedes colours was the fastest rookie, qualifying fourth, while Lisa Billard and Natalia Granada also made their presence known.
Speaking of Granada, she's driving this year for one of the most talked-about teams on the grid. SEPHORA has stepped in as an official partner of F1 Academy and has taken the Spanish rookie under its wing in a car run by PREMA. The car is a real head-turner – a stunning creation with the brand's signature black and white stripes – and it marks an important step for the sport. Susie Wolff, the series' managing director, put it perfectly: It's about much more than beauty. It's about challenging outdated stereotypes and showing that motorsport is for everyone.
The LEGO has landed, and we're loving it
While the cars roar on the track, we can get a piece of the action at home too. LEGO has thrown its hat into the F1 Academy ring for the first time, releasing the awesome 77258 F1 ACADEMY Race Car in their Speed Champions series. It's not just a set; it's a recognition that the women of F1 Academy deserve a spot in our living rooms. The model is built to a 1:1 scale with the real cars, complete with a minifigure, helmet, and wrench. Perfect for collectors and any young ones dreaming of the track.
The big difference with LEGO's F1 cars? The Academy version is slightly smaller, just like in real life, and has a more angular rear end that matches the actual race cars. It's the details that count.
So, what can we expect for the weekend?
With Palmowski on pole for Sunday's main race, we're in for a real thriller. But don't forget Saturday's Race 1, where the top eight from qualifying line up in reverse order. That means Nina Gademan from Alpine will start from pole in the first race. This is where the young guns can really score some cheap points and cause chaos in the standings. Add to that the Chinese wildcard driver Shi Wei, who's trying to impress on home turf once again this year.
One thing's for sure: The fire's been lit in F1 Academy. And with a Dane right up the front of the pack, there's every reason to have your eyes glued to the screen this weekend. Whether you're into the big emotions, tactical battles, or just want to see the stars of tomorrow unfold, this is where it's at. Bring on the racing!
- Saturday 14 March: Race 1 (with reverse grid) - expect wild overtaking!
- Sunday 15 March: Race 2 - Palmowski on pole, the hunt for victory.
- Danish hope: Alba Larsen starts from second place in Race 2. Keep an eye on her!