Alisha Palmowski Holds Off Alba Larsen to Win F1 Academy Zandvoort Feature Race

Palmowski withstands Larsen pressure

Alisha Palmowski converted pole position into her fourth F1 Academy victory of the season, holding off a relentless Alba Larsen to extend her championship lead at Zandvoort. Home favourite Nina Gademan completed the podium as F1 Academy made its final visit to the Dutch circuit.

The result continued a strong Zandvoort weekend for the championship leader, who had already secured F1 Academy pole position after wet-to-dry qualifying.

Battles throughout the field

With seven of the 17 laps completed, Palmowski led Larsen and Gademan, followed by Granada, Felbermayr, Megan Bruce, Rachel Robertson, Lloyd, Payton Westcott and Esmee Kosterman. A train had formed behind Bruce, extending back to Jade Jaquet in 11th.

At the front, the margin between Palmowski and Larsen remained around a tenth, with Larsen initially holding the fastest lap. Her team then advised her over the radio that Palmowski was beginning to struggle, encouraging the Ferrari driver to continue her attack.

However, Palmowski responded as the race progressed. With seven laps remaining, the gap stayed below one second before the leader found additional pace and reclaimed the fastest lap from Larsen.

Palmowski breaks clear

The fight for sixth intensified late in the race. Robertson began preparing an attack on Bruce, forcing the latter to defend while Lloyd joined the battle to create a three-car contest. With two laps left, several drivers remained lined up behind Bruce, waiting for an opportunity to break out of the train and attack.

Lisa Billard was also closing in from 12th, having made significant progress after starting 17th. Up front, though, Palmowski had finally created separation. The gap to Larsen grew to 2.3 seconds, securing a controlled victory and leaving Gademan to celebrate a home podium.