Alisha Palmowski secured double pole position for Round 5 of the F1 Academy season at the US GP following a post-session reinstatement of her fastest lap time.
The Red Bull-backed championship leader will line up at the front of the grid for both Friday’s Opening Race and Sunday’s Feature Race in Austin.
F1 Academy Free Practice in Austin
Emma Felbermayr set the benchmark at the Circuit of the Americas, topping the sole F1 Academy practice session ahead of qualifying.
The Audi driver posted a 2:08.949 to edge out championship leader Alisha Palmowski by 0.178 seconds, with Nina Gademan finishing third.
Track limit violations at Turn 1 and evolving circuit conditions proved tricky as drivers pushed for ultimate pace.
Now, the grid turned its focus to a crucial qualifying session in Austin to set the grid for both races.
Qualifying starts at the US GP
Track limit violations dominated the early running, forcing several drivers—including title contender Felbermayr—to lose competitive lap times.
Palmowski took control early, breaking into the 2:08s to establish a comfortable gap over her rivals.
Home favourite Payton Westcott responded strongly midway through the session, setting purple sectors to challenge the Briton at the top of the order.
As the grid bolted on fresh tyres for the final runs, dramatic shifts unfolded.
Felbermayr looked poised for a front-row contention before a heavy lock-up and wide moment through the final corners cost her over half a second.
Meanwhile, Lisa Billard, Megan Bruce, and Jin Jacquet produced impressive efforts to climb into the top ten.
Palmowski lowered the benchmark further by entering the 2:07s, only for Westcott to temporarily usurp her with a stunning 2:07.812.
While initial track limit enforcement briefly elevated Westcott, Palmowski’s session-topping lap was ultimately reinstated by officials, handing her double pole position for the weekend’s main events.
Gademan completed the top three behind Palmowski and Westcott, while Natalia Granada delivered an exceptional performance to lock down fourth on the Feature Race grid.
Alba Larsen took fifth ahead of Billard, Jacquet, Rafaela Ferreira, a disappointed Felbermayr in ninth, and Robertson.
READ MORE – F1 Academy 2026 US GP – Qualifying Results
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