Emma Felbermayr tops opening F1 ACADEMY practice in Austin

Emma Felbermayr finished fastest in the sole F1 ACADEMY Practice session at the Circuit of The Americas, edging standings leader Alisha Palmowski by 0.178 seconds. The Audi driver’s late improvement secured the top spot after a session in which lap times shifted as drivers adapted to the circuit and its limits on track use. The session took place on 22 October 2026.

Felbermayr’s result adds a strong opening to her Austin weekend. She has already recorded a win this season, including her second F1 ACADEMY victory at Silverstone.

Felbermayr left her decisive lap until late

Felbermayr was first to set a time, but Nina Gademan soon moved to the front and improved her mark on the next lap. Alba Larsen then became the first driver into the 2:09s, while Palmowski climbed into second with a 2:09.996.

Larsen held the lead for a spell, but Felbermayr found pace in the first two sectors and returned to the top of the timing screens. Rachel Robertson also moved into contention, briefly slotting between Felbermayr and Palmowski.

With three and a half minutes remaining, Palmowski posted a 2:09.127 to take the provisional lead, less than a tenth clear of Felbermayr. The Austrian answered on her next push, becoming the only driver to break into the 2:08s. Palmowski’s final effort could not dislodge her, leaving the Audi driver 0.178s clear at the chequered flag.

The result puts the two title contenders together at the front of the Austin weekend, with Palmowski and Felbermayr’s championship battle already a key storyline.

Gademan completes the top three as track limits bite

Gademan secured third, ahead of Payton Westcott and Robertson. Larsen, who had led earlier, ended the session sixth. Lisa Billard, Natalia Granada, Ella Stevens and Rafaela Ferreira completed the top ten. Mathilda Paatz did not take part while work continued on her car.

Track limits proved a recurring challenge, particularly at Turn 1, with several lap times deleted. Westcott also brought out yellow flags briefly after spinning at Turn 19, but was able to return to the pits.

Qualifying is scheduled for 16:30 local time (UTC-5). The fastest times will determine the grid for Sunday’s Feature Race, while the second-fastest times will set the order for Friday evening’s Opening Race.