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Alba Larsen delivered her strongest qualifying performance to date at the Shanghai International Circuit, securing a maiden front row start in F1 ACADEMY. Yet despite the breakthrough result, the Ferrari driver was clear in her assessment: there is still more performance to unlock over the remainder of the weekend.
Larsen looked poised for pole position during the opening half of a busy qualifying session, holding provisional P1 before Alisha Palmowski found an advantage of four tenths. A mistake on Larsen’s final flying lap prevented her from responding, ultimately leaving her to settle for second on the grid.
Even so, P2 marks her best one-lap result in the series so far — a significant step forward in her development and in her new partnership with Ferrari.
“I’m very happy overall with qualifying P2 and on the front row – my best start in F1 ACADEMY,” Larsen summarised. “It’s a really good start in the partnership with Ferrari and I think they’re also very happy.
“Obviously the gap needs to be a bit closer but I did make a mistake on my best lap so I think there’s a little bit more to find from my side. I know the race pace is good so with a front row start, I’m definitely very happy and for the races, it means there’s a lot that can happen.”
It was a measured reflection — satisfaction with the result, but a clear acknowledgement that execution will be key if she is to convert grid position into silverware.
The Shanghai International Circuit has already proven to be a productive venue for Larsen. In 2025, she claimed her best result of last season at this track, fighting her way to fourth place in Race 2. Palmowski, meanwhile, triumphed in the reverse grid race that same year — underlining how pivotal this circuit can be in shaping momentum.
That prior experience appears to have reinforced Larsen’s confidence heading into this weekend, as she aims not just for another strong finish but for a first podium — and potentially more.
When asked what makes Shanghai particularly suited to her driving style, Larsen admitted the answer remains something of a mystery.
“I don’t know! It’s a very nice track. Charles Leclerc said to me that for him, it’s the most challenging track but I seem to be quite good here, so I’m very much looking forward to the races.
“The races last year were really good, and I definitely hope I can do better than last year where P4 was the best. I definitely hope I can stand on the podium and maybe go for the win as well.”
A front row start places Larsen in prime position to fight at the sharp end, with race pace she believes is competitive. More importantly, it represents early-season momentum — the kind that can rapidly shift the narrative in a tightly contested championship.
While pole slipped away in qualifying, the bigger picture is clear: Larsen has taken a decisive step forward. Now, the focus turns to execution in the races, where opportunity awaits from the very front of the grid.
Ciara is a Dublin native, award-winning film producer, podcaster and writer with 20 years of storytelling experience. A lifelong Leinster and Ireland rugby fan, she turned her attention to the grid after moving to Berlin and co-founding Formula Live Pulse. Now, she applies her producer’s brain to Formula 1, navigating the highs of Oscar Piastri’s rise and the unique stress of being an adopted Ferrari fan. She loves talking and talking about F1, if you give her the chance!
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