F1 Academy returns to action this weekend as the 2026 championship arrives at Zandvoort for what is a final farewell to the Dutch Grand Prix.
Following a long break in the series, the championship returns to the familiarity of the Netherlands after its last race at Silverstone in early July. Featuring on the calendar since the inaugural F1 Academy season, the 4.259km circuit will host its final racing weekend for the series, and drivers will navigate the tricky 14 turns with the championship reaching a crucial stage.
Known for its challenging, fast-flowing layout and famous banked corners, Zandvoort will provide one final test for the drivers and teams before F1 Academy heads outside of Europe for the remainder of the season.
At the centre of this weekend is the championship battle, which could be slipping away from the rest of the field as Alisha Palmowski continues her dominant form.
Dutch GP Wild Card confirmed
As is tradition on an F1 Academy weekend, a Wild Card entry will take place during the Dutch Grand Prix. 17-year-old Zoe Florescu will make her first appearance in the series with support from Dirt Is Good. The Romanian driver will race in a livery inspired by Wonder Wash Max as part of the brand’s partnership with the championship.
Florescu impressed at last year’s inaugural F1 Academy Rookie Test and currently competes in the Spanish F4 Championship. Her Wild Card opportunity provides another major step in her single-seater career as she takes on one of the most competitive junior championships in motorsport.
Reflecting on the opportunity, Florescu said she was ready for the challenge of competing on such a visible stage.
“F1 ACADEMY is all about proving yourself in a very visible, high-pressure environment,” Florescu explained
“Every session counts, and you must perform when it matters most. I’m proud to be part of this moment and grateful for the support from Dirt Is Good as I take this next step.”
Palmowski vs Felbermayr: A championship battle continues
Palmowski arrives in Zandvoort in commanding form after securing her third victory of the season at home in Silverstone. The Red Bull Racing-backed driver has been the only competitor outside of Chiara Battig to secure pole position in 2026. Emphasising the strong partnership between herself and the Campos Racing team.
Heading into the weekend, the Briton leads the field, with a 30-point advantage over Emma Felbermayr in second, giving Palmowski a crucial buffer to the rest of the field. But with half the season remaining, Palmowski knows she can’t afford to become complacent.
Meanwhile, the weekend will be crucial for Felbermayr to stay within touching distance of her rival. The Audi-backed driver has remained remarkably consistent throughout the season, but Palmowski’s recent run of form has seen the advantage swing significantly. After Shanghai, Felbermayr held a six-point lead, but now she finds herself more than a race win behind her Red Bull-backed rival.
But the weekend could swing in the Austrian’s favour following a difficult run of form at Zandvoort for Campos Racing. The team, who have consistently been at the front of the field, have historically struggled around the iconic Dutch venue. If Palmowski and Campos find themselves on the back foot once more, Felbermayr could have a genuine opportunity to reduce the championship deficit.
Elsewhere in the field, it is a home race for Alpine-backed Nina Gademan and Esmee Kosterman. Gademan driver currently sits third, 58 points behind Palmowski. Whilst not directly in the championship fight, a solid points haul at her final home race could start a significant title charge in the final rounds of the season. Crucially, Gademan will aim to replicate her weekend from last season, securing yet another home race victory.
On the other hand, Kosterman has struggled throughout her first season in the championship. The Dutch driver hopes that the support from her home fans will be enough to secure her first points of the season.
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