F1 Academy Champion Alisha Palmowski Graduates to Formula Regional With Fully Funded Seat

Alisha Palmowski Earns 2027 FREC Seat With Rodin Motorsport

F1 ACADEMY Champion Alisha Palmowski will step up to the Formula Regional European Championship (FREC) in 2027 after F1 ACADEMY and Red Bull Racing confirmed that she will receive a fully funded seat with Rodin Motorsport.

The 20-year-old will also join the Red Bull Junior Team next year. Her programme will include comprehensive testing, continued development through the Red Bull Junior Programme and ongoing backing from F1 ACADEMY as she begins the next stage of her single-seater career.

Palmowski first appeared in F1 ACADEMY in 2024 as a Wild Card driver during the penultimate round in Qatar. Her strong performance earned her a place in the Red Bull Racing Academy Programme and a seat with Campos Racing for the 2025 season. She immediately made an impact by winning the opening race of the campaign in Shanghai.

F1 ACADEMY Champion’s Rise Through the Motorsport Ladder

After finishing fifth in the 2025 standings, Palmowski returned for her second F1 ACADEMY campaign and produced a dominant title-winning performance at the series’ most recent appearance in Austin. She secured five victories, seven podium finishes and six pole positions, taking the championship with three races still remaining.

Palmowski becomes the third F1 ACADEMY Champion to progress into a higher-level single-seater championship. Marta Garcia moved into FREC after her 2024 campaign, while Abbi Pulling advanced to the GB3 Championship.

Before the 2027 season begins, Palmowski will compete at the 2027 Race of Champions New Zealand in January. She will partner 13-time Formula 1 race winner David Coulthard as part of Team GB.

Susie Wolff Praises Palmowski’s Development

Susie Wolff, Managing Director of F1 ACADEMY, said:

“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. Not only has she proven herself a worthy Champion, but she has also demonstrated to Red Bull Racing that she warrants their continued support and a place in their Junior Programme.“Helping our Champions take the next step in their development is a part of our mission at F1 ACADEMY. We want to see them continue to progress and have the opportunities and support they need to climb further up the motorsport ladder.

“We are all proud of Alisha, not only for what she has achieved on track, but also for the character, determination and integrity she has shown off it. She is a fantastic role model for the next generation, and everyone at F1 ACADEMY will be cheering her on from afar as she takes on this next challenge.”

Palmowski Ready for New Challenge With Rodin Motorsport

Palmowski said the F1 ACADEMY title victory in Austin was a defining moment and credited Campos Racing, Red Bull and F1 ACADEMY for supporting her development over the past two seasons.

“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.

“I’ve developed so much as a driver and as a person over the last two seasons, and the support I’ve received from Campos Racing, Red Bull and F1 ACADEMY has been incredible. It’s taken a lot of hard work to get here, and I know there’s still a lot more to do but having that belief and support behind me makes the journey clearer.

“Next season brings a new series, a new team and a fresh opportunity to test myself. Moving up the single-seater ladder has always been the goal, and I’m incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to race in Formula Regional with Rodin Motorsport. I can’t wait to get going.”

Why This Matters

Palmowski’s move to FREC provides a clear progression route from F1 ACADEMY into a more advanced European single-seater championship. The fully funded Rodin Motorsport seat, Red Bull Junior Team membership and testing programme give the reigning champion continued competitive and developmental support as she adapts to a new series and team.

Her promotion also extends the record of F1 ACADEMY champions progressing to the next level, following Marta Garcia’s move to FREC and Abbi Pulling’s step into GB3. Palmowski’s 2027 programme will begin with the Race of Champions New Zealand appearance alongside David Coulthard before her FREC campaign with Rodin Motorsport.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which team will Alisha Palmowski race for in 2027?

Alisha Palmowski will race for Rodin Motorsport in the Formula Regional European Championship, receiving a fully funded seat.

Will Alisha Palmowski remain part of the Red Bull development programme?

Yes. Palmowski will join the Red Bull Junior Team and receive a comprehensive testing programme, continued support through the Red Bull Junior Programme and backing from F1 ACADEMY.

What are Alisha Palmowski’s F1 ACADEMY achievements?

Palmowski won the F1 ACADEMY championship after recording five wins, seven podiums and six pole positions. She clinched the title with three races remaining.