F1 ACADEMY Champion Alisha Palmowski graduates to Formula Regional with fully-funded seat

F1 ACADEMY Champion Alisha Palmowski will make the step up to the Formula Regional European Championship (FREC), with F1 ACADEMY and Red Bull Racing announcing she will receive a fully-funded seat with Rodin Motorsport for the 2027 season.

Additionally, the 20-year-old will join the Red Bull Junior Team next year and will benefit from a comprehensive testing programme, alongside continued support and development through the Red Bull Junior Programme and backing from F1 ACADEMY.

Palmowski made her debut in the all-female series in 2024 as a Wild Card driver for the penultimate round in Qatar. A successful appearance earned her a spot in the Red Bull Racing Academy Programme and a seat with Campos Racing for the 2025 campaign, going on to take victory in the opening race of the season in Shanghai.

After finishing fifth in the standings, the Briton returned for her sophomore campaign and a dominant run saw her crowned Champion last time out for the F1 ACADEMY's appearance in Austin.

Claiming five wins, seven podiums and six pole positions, Palmowski secured the title with three races remaining.

She becomes the third F1 ACADEMY Champion to progress up the single-seater ladder after Marta Garcia’s 2024 campaign in FREC and Abbi Pulling’s in the GB3 Championship.

Ahead of next season, Palmowski will also get behind the wheel for the 2027 Race of Champions New Zealand in January, partnering up with 13-time Formula 1 race winner David Coulthard as part of Team GB.

Susie Wolff, Managing Director of F1 ACADEMY, commented: “What a journey it’s been for Alisha. From joining us as a Wild Card Driver in 2024 to becoming F1 ACADEMY Champion just two years later, she has grabbed this opportunity with both hands. Not only has she proven herself a worthy Champion, but she has also demonstrated to Red Bull Racing that she warrants their continued support and a place in their Junior Programme.

“Helping our Champions take the next step in their development is a part of our mission at F1 ACADEMY. We want to see them continue to progress and have the opportunities and support they need to climb further up the motorsport ladder.

“We are all proud of Alisha, not only for what she has achieved on track, but also for the character, determination and integrity she has shown off it. She is a fantastic role model for the next generation, and everyone at F1 ACADEMY will be cheering her on from afar as she takes on this next challenge.”

Alisha Palmowski, 2026 F1 ACADEMY Champion, added: “I’m so excited to continue my journey with the support of Red Bull and F1 ACADEMY behind me. Winning the F1 ACADEMY title in Austin, with my family there and so many people cheering me on, was surreal, and it’s a weekend I’ll never forget.

“I’ve developed so much as a driver and as a person over the last two seasons, and the support I’ve received from Campos Racing, Red Bull and F1 ACADEMY has been incredible. It’s taken a lot of hard work to get here, and I know there’s still a lot more to do but having that belief and support behind me makes the journey clearer.

“Next season brings a new series, a new team and a fresh opportunity to test myself. Moving up the single-seater ladder has always been the goal, and I’m incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to race in Formula Regional with Rodin Motorsport. I can’t wait to get going.”