F1 Academy champion Alisha Palmowski reveals key lesson from Max Verstappen

Alisha Palmowski, the 2026 F1 Academy champion, has revealed that the greatest lesson she learned during her title-winning year came from watching Max Verstappen, the four-time Formula 1 world champion. Verstappen, who currently drives for Red Bull Racing, was instrumental in Palmowski's development, as she raced for Campos Racing, Red Bull's junior programme, throughout the season.

Palmowski, who made her F1 Academy debut as the wildcard entry in Qatar in 2024, secured the championship title in Austin, with one round remaining at the time of her statement. Campos Racing retained Palmowski for the 2025 season as the Red Bull-supported driver, and both organizations agreed to keep her on board for 2026. Speaking to talkSPORT, Palmowski praised Verstappen's mentality, aggression, and never-give-up attitude, highlighting the mental challenges of Formula 1 as the aspect that most impressed her.

She admitted that she does not compare herself to Verstappen but admires and respects him, hoping to one day reach his level. Palmowski also mentioned her previous racing experiences, including the Ginetta Junior Championship, GB4 Championship, and the 2024 Formula E women's test with Envision Racing. As for her future plans, Palmowski has yet to confirm what she will do in 2027, but the 2026 F1 Academy season concluded in Las Vegas as part of the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend.