Palmowski closes in on title with Opening Race victory

Alisha Palmowski put one hand on the 2026 F1 ACADEMY title as she secured her fifth win of the campaign.

Formula 1

Published: Saturday, 24 October 2026 at 2:34 PM

Key Things to Know

Alisha Palmowski won the F1 Academy Opening Race in Austin, securing her fifth victory of the season.
The victory extended Palmowski's championship lead to 63 points.
Nina Gademan finished in second place, with Alba Larsen securing third to complete the podium.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Red Bull Racing driver Alisha Palmowski moved closer to clinching the 2026 F1 Academy championship by winning the Opening Race in Austin. Despite losing the lead off the start to Mercedes driver Payton Westcott, Palmowski reclaimed the front position at Turn 9 on the opening lap. She controlled the race through multiple Safety Car periods to claim her fifth victory of the season.

Nina Gademan finished second for Alpine, while Ferrari's Alba Larsen completed the podium in third place. Palmowski extended her championship lead to 63 points and has the opportunity to secure the title in the subsequent Reverse Grid Race.

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Palmowski closes in on title with Opening Race victory

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