Pit Debrief

Motorsport news

Pit Debrief

Motorsport news

Category: F1 Academy

F1A: Read the latest of F1 Academy reports, news, opinions, and more by Pit Debrief.

Payton Westcott reflects on her maiden F1 Academy win at Zandvoort and the confidence it gives her ahead of Sunday’s Feature Race.
Photo Credit: F1 Academy

Westcott “so relieved” after maiden F1 Academy victory at Zandvoort

Karishma Persad04 mins

Payton Westcott described her maiden F1 Academy victory as a major confidence boost after controlling the Dutch GP Reverse Grid Race from start to finish at Zandvoort. The PREMA Racing driver originally qualified ninth before Zoe Florescu’s disqualification promoted her to eighth and, consequently, reverse-grid pole. Westcott capitalised fully on the opportunity, controlling the start…

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Larsen reflects on F1 Academy Dutch GP qualifying, adapting to changing conditions and returning to the front row at Zandvoort.
Photo Credit: F1 Academy

Larsen credits adaptability and mental strength after return to F1 Academy front row in Zandvoort

Chiara Schulte genannt Hobein06 mins

Alba Larsen returned to the front row in F1 Academy Qualifying at the 2026 Dutch GP after navigating a difficult wet-to-dry session at Zandvoort. Larsen showed strong pace throughout Qualifying as changing conditions, two red flags and traffic complicated the fight for pole. She moved to the top of the timesheets during the closing stages…

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Palmowski retains a 30-point 1016 F1 Academy lead after Zandvoort’s Reverse Grid Race, as Westcott claims her maiden victory at the Dutch GP.
Photo Credit: Red Bull Content Pool

2026 F1 Academy standings after the Reverse Grid Race at the Dutch GP

Karishma Persad06 mins

Alisha Palmowski remains in control of the 2026 F1 Academy Drivers’ standings after a dramatic Reverse Grid Race at the Dutch GP, despite failing to score at Zandvoort. The Campos Racing driver stalled from eighth on the grid and eventually finished 12th. However, championship rival Emma Felbermayr also left the race without points after a…

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Peyton Westcott held off a late charge from Alba Larsen to win the 2026 F1 Academy Dutch GP Reverse Grid Race at Zandvoort, leading from pole to flag through two Safety Car periods.
Photo Credit: F1 Academy | X

F1 Academy | 2026 Dutch GP | Reverse Grid Race | Westcott takes maiden win amid chaos in Zandvoort

Valeria Penachi04 mins

The 2026 F1 Academy Dutch GP Reverse Grid Race took place at Zandvoort following a chaotic Qualifying session. Wild Card Zoe Florescu failed a post-session technical check and was disqualified. Her car carried engine lubricant that did not meet the required specifications. Westcott started from reverse grid pole alongside Bruce on the front row. Robertson…

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Ferrari-backed Alba Larsen during the 2026 F1 Academy Zandvoort round at the Dutch GP.
Photo Credit: F1 Academy | X

F1 Academy | 2026 Dutch GP | Reverse Grid Race results

Yi Xing Lim02 mins

Mercedes-backed Payton Westcott claimed her maiden F1 Academy win in the Reverse Grid Race at the 2026 Dutch GP, view the full results below. The Qualifying session earlier today brought mixed weather conditions, beginning with a wet track before rapidly drying out and forcing drivers to switch to slick tyres for their final runs. Ultimately,…

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Wild Card entrant Zoe Florescu during the F1 Academy Zandvoort round at the 2026 Dutch GP.
Photo Credit: F1 Academy | X

Florescu: P7 finish in Qualifying “a great starting point” for 2026 F1 Academy Zandvoort round

Yi Xing Lim03 mins

The fourth Qualifying session of the 2026 F1 Academy season at Zandvoort threw plenty of challenges at Wild Card entrant Zoe Florescu’s way, as the Dirt Is Good driver rose to the occasion to secure a P7 finish on her debut weekend. In a session that began on a wet track before rapidly drying, Florescu…

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Alisha Palmowski claims pole position during Qualifying at fourth 2026 F1 Academy round at Dutch GP.
Photo Credit: Red Bull Content Pool

F1 Academy | 2026 Dutch GP | Qualifying | Palmowski masters changing conditions to claim pole

Yi Xing Lim03 mins

Alisha Palmowski continued on her strong run of form during F1 Academy Qualifying at the 2026 Dutch GP, securing yet another pole position; full report below. The fourth round of the 2026 F1 Academy season got off to a strong start for home hero Nina Gademan, who topped the timings in Free Practice, one year…

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Granada targets a top-eight result and more as she looks to build on strong Free Practice pace at the 2026 F1 Academy Zandvoort round.
Photo Credit: F1 Academy

Granada sets sights “much higher” than top eight ahead of 2026 F1 Academy Zandvoort Qualifying

Chiara Schulte genannt Hobein04 mins

Natalia Granada made an encouraging start to her first F1 Academy race weekend at Zandvoort, finishing fifth in a disrupted Free Practice session ahead of the 2026 Dutch GP. The PREMA Racing driver emerged as the highest-placed rookie after setting a 1:38.985, despite two red flags and changing weather conditions limiting the amount of representative…

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Alpine-backed Nina Gademan during the 2026 F1 Academy Dutch GP at Zandvoort.
Photo Credit: F1 Academy | X

Gademan sets “main goal” of top-six qualifying as she eyes closing points deficit at 2026 F1 Academy Zandvoort round

Yi Xing Lim05 mins

Starting her weekend on a strong note by topping Free Practice, Alpine-backed Nina Gademan returns to her home circuit for the fourth round of the 2026 F1 Academy season at the Dutch GP, having won Race 1 at Zandvoort last year. The circuit has proven to be a successful stomping ground for the Dutch driver,…

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