F1 Academy champion Alisha Palmowski will graduate to the Formula Regional European Championship (FREC) after securing a fully-funded seat with Rodin Motorsport for the 2027 season, as announced by F1 Academy and Red Bull Racing.
Joining the Red Bull Junior Team and Testing Programme
The 20-year-old British driver will also join the Red Bull Junior Team next year. She will receive a comprehensive testing programme along with continued support through the Red Bull Junior Programme and backing from F1 Academy.
Palmowski first entered the all-female series in 2024 as a Wild Card driver during the penultimate round in Qatar. That performance secured her a spot in the Red Bull Racing Academy Programme and a Campos Racing seat for the 2025 campaign, where she won the opening race in Shanghai and finished fifth in the standings.
Returning for her second campaign, she dominated the championship and clinched the title during F1 Academy’s event in Austin. She finished the season with five wins, seven podiums, and six pole positions, securing the championship with three races still remaining.
Palmowski becomes the third F1 Academy champion to advance up the single-seater ladder, following Marta Garcia’s 2024 campaign in FREC and Abbi Pulling’s run in the GB3 Championship.
Upcoming Race of Champions Appearance
Before the 2027 season begins, Palmowski will compete in the Race of Champions New Zealand in January. She will partner with 13-time Formula 1 race winner David Coulthard to represent Team GB.
F1 Academy Managing Director Susie Wolff praised Palmowski’s rapid progression. “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,” Wolff stated, adding that she has proved herself a worthy champion and a fantastic role model.
Reflecting on her advancement, Palmowski stated: “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.”
She added that moving up the single-seater ladder has always been her goal and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to race in Formula Regional with Rodin Motorsport.
