Palmowski clinches F1 Academy crown in Austin reverse-grid race

Alisha Palmowski secured the 2026 F1 Academy title in Austin, climbing from eighth to second in the Reverse Grid Race. Alba Larsen claimed her first victory in the series, with Lisa Billard completing the podium and earning her maiden top-three finish.

Palmowski’s result made the championship out of reach before Sunday’s Feature Race, where the fight for second in the standings is set to continue. Her Austin campaign has also featured a strong qualifying performance, covered in F1LivePulse’s report on Palmowski taking both Austin poles.

Larsen seized the lead before the safety car period

The race began under yellow flags, with Rafaela Ferreira getting away well to hold the lead ahead of Jade Jacquet and Billard. Jacquet briefly moved to the front, but contact with Ferreira at Turn 15 sent her off the track and into a spin. Wildcard driver Alexia Danielsson was caught in the incident too, and both drivers retired.

Larsen moved into first place shortly before a second yellow-flag period brought out the safety car. Ferreira later reported a wheel problem over the radio, following the earlier contact.

The safety car returned to the pits at the end of Lap 5. Larsen made a strong restart and opened a 2.2-second advantage over Billard, who was running second. Behind them, Nina Gademan and Emma Felbermayr fought over sixth, making wheel contact before Felbermayr held the position.

Palmowski charged through to seal the championship

Palmowski made rapid progress from eighth, reaching third and setting the fastest lap as she closed on the title. On Lap 10, she passed rookie Billard for second, but Larsen remained around three seconds ahead and held control at the front.

There was further contact in the pack when Ella Lloyd’s late lunge led to a collision involving Rachel Robertson’s Puma-liveried car and Ella Stevens’ McLaren-liveried car. Lloyd recovered to reach the points, moving up to eighth and closing on Megan Bruce in seventh.

Larsen crossed the line first for her maiden F1 Academy win, two years after joining the series. Palmowski took second to confirm the championship, while Billard finished third for her first podium. The title adds another milestone to Palmowski’s season; F1LivePulse previously covered her Zandvoort Feature Race victory over Larsen.