Palmowski’s fifth F1 Academy win puts title within reach
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Palmowski lost the lead at the start but retook it at Turn 9 and held on through a final-lap Safety Car restart. Her fifth win of the season stretched her 2026 F1 Academy championship lead to 63 points.
Alisha Palmowski can clinch the 2026 F1 Academy title in Saturday evening’s Reverse Grid Race after winning Friday’s Opening Race in Austin. Her fifth victory of the season extended her championship lead to 63 points.
Palmowski’s route to victory began with losing the lead: Payton Westcott took it off the line, but a poor first sector gave Palmowski the opening to retake it at Turn 9. Contact involving Rachel Robertson, Rafaela Ferreira and Megan Bruce brought out an early Safety Car; Palmowski held the lead at the restart.
Alba Larsen passed team-mate Nina Gademan and closed on Palmowski, but was told to give the place back after completing the move off track. A second Safety Car restart came on the final lap. Palmowski stayed ahead, with Gademan and Larsen completing the podium.
Palmowski is due to start eighth in Saturday’s 18:00 local-time race, one place ahead of her nearest title rival Emma Felbermayr. Her Campos Racing team-mate Rafaela Ferreira starts from reverse-grid pole.
Sources 01
- PRIMARY SOURCEPalmowski closes in on title with Opening Race victoryFormula 1
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