Alisha Palmowski Wins 2026 F1 Academy Title in Austin With Second Place in Reverse Grid Race

Britain's Alisha Palmowski became the 2026 F1 Academy champion on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. She sealed the title with three races to spare after finishing second in the Reverse Grid Race, a result that built an unassailable lead at the top of the standings during the United States Grand Prix weekend.

Palmowski had won the Opening Race in Austin on Friday, October 23. On Saturday she started the reverse grid race in eighth place, one place ahead of her title rival Emma Felbermayr in ninth, and drove through the field to second place. She took the fastest lap on the way, while Felbermayr finished fourth.

Alba Larsen won the Reverse Grid Race. It was Larsen's first victory in F1 Academy. Lisa Billard finished third, which was her first podium in the series.

What Palmowski said after sealing the title

Palmowski was emotional when she spoke after the race. "We did it guys! It's incredible. I don't know what to say. I'm trying not to cry!" she said, in comments reported by Sky Sports. She added: "There's so much hard work gone on behind the scenes, not just from myself, but all the people you won't see. They have lived it day and night."

She also credited her team. "We have worked so hard as a team, Campos Racing and Red Bull Racing. We have left no stone unturned," she said. She called the title "a dream come true."

A season of five wins and six poles

The Austin results added to a strong season record. Palmowski has won five of the 11 F1 Academy races held so far this season, with six pole positions. The win in Friday's Opening Race in Austin was her fifth victory of the season.

At 20, Palmowski is the youngest F1 Academy champion. She is also the second Briton to win the title, after Abbi Pulling in 2024.

Palmowski races for Campos Racing and is backed by Red Bull. She won the title in her second full F1 Academy campaign. As a rookie in 2025 she won the season opener and took another four podiums. She succeeds Doriane Pin as champion, and she is the fourth champion in the series, after Marta Garcia, Abbi Pulling and Pin.

One Austin race left, from pole

The title is decided, but the Austin weekend is not finished for Palmowski. She starts on pole for the remaining Austin race on Sunday, October 25.

What comes next in 2027 is still to be confirmed. Palmowski said conversations about her next move are happening in the background, and that they are being handled by her management team.

This report does not publish a final points gap. Reports of the size of Palmowski's lead differed between outlets, and the gap will be reported once it can be checked against the official F1 Academy standings.