Alisha Palmowski secures funded FREC seat, as well as place in the Red Bull Junior Team
Newly crowned F1 Academy champion Alisha Palmowski will graduate to the Formula Regional European Championship in 2027, having secured a fully funded seat with Rodin Motorsport alongside a place in the Red Bull Junior Team.
Newly crowned F1 Academy champion Alisha Palmowski will graduate to the Formula Regional European Championship in 2027, having secured a fully funded seat with Rodin Motorsport alongside a place in the Red Bull Junior Team.
The announcement, made by F1 Academy and Oracle Red Bull Racing, marks the progression for the British driver in her single-seater career after she clinched the all-female championship title in Austin.
Palmowski will benefit from a comprehensive testing programme and continued support and development through the Red Bull Junior Programme, with F1 Academy and Red Bull jointly backing her campaign. The opportunity builds on Red Bull's support throughout her two seasons in F1 Academy and provides a pathway into the next level of single-seaters.
The 2026 champion first appeared in F1 Academy as a Wild Card entry at the Qatar round in 2024, having contested a superb GB4 rookie campaign - before joining the Red Bull Racing Academy Programme and Campos Racing for her first full season in 2025. She made an immediate impression, claiming her maiden victory on her debut weekend in Shanghai and going on to finish fifth in the championship standings.
Returning for a second season in 2026, Palmowski took a major step forward and soon became one of the leading contenders for the title. She secured the championship with three races remaining, having recorded five victories and seven podium finishes by the end of the penultimate round. She now heads into next week's season finale in Las Vegas with 172 points and a 52-point advantage at the top of the standings.
Her promotion to Formula Regional represents the return of the prize for the series champion. The inaugural champion Marta García received a fully funded FREC seat with PREMA Racing for 2024, while 2024 title winner Abbi Pulling was awarded a funded campaign in the GB3 Championship with Rodin Motorsport for 2025. No prize had been announced for 2025 champion Doriane Pin.
“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", said Susie Wolff, Managing Director of F1 Academy. "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,” Wolff said.
“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.”
Palmowski also expressed her excitement about continuing her journey with Red Bull, describing her championship success in Austin as an unforgettable moment and acknowledging the support she has received throughout her development.
“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,” Palmowski said.
“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.”
Palmowski's move to FREC will see her take on a new challenge in 2027, stepping up to Formula Regional level. The British racer has already started a testing program earlier this year.
