Red Bull promotes Palmowski to junior team after F1 Academy title

Red Bull Racing has named Alisha Palmowski as one of its junior team members for 2027, following her F1 Academy championship victory this season.

Palmowski wrapped up the F1 Academy title at the U.S. Grand Prix in Austin last month, securing the championship in her second season in the category. Supported by Red Bull in the all-female series, Palmowski will now have full Red Bull Junior Program backing as she steps up to the Formula Regional European Championship next year, where she will race for Rodin.

“We are very happy to keep Alisha in the Red Bull family and continue this journey together!” Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies said. “Over the past two seasons, she has developed exceptionally well, both on and off the track. She has consistently performed at a very high level despite the pressure of going into the season as the favorite, culminating in a dominant championship-winning campaign.

“We recognize the importance of F1 Academy in creating opportunities for young drivers to develop and showcase their talent, and at Red Bull we have always taken that responsibility very seriously. As Alisha continues her development in the Red Bull Junior Team, we can’t wait to support her as she competes against other very talented young men and women in FREC next year.”

Palmowski will conclude the F1 Academy season in Las Vegas next weekend, and says she had always hoped to use the category as a springboard into higher-performing machinery. 

“I’m so excited to continue my journey with Red Bull,” Palmowski said. “I joined this family just under two years ago as a young girl with dreams of making them come true. Winning the title in Austin, with my family there and so many people from Red Bull, was surreal, and it’s a weekend I’ll never forget.

“I’ve developed so much as a driver and as a person over the last two seasons, and the support I’ve received from Campos Racing, Red Bull and F1 Academy has been incredible. It’s taken a lot of hard work to get here, and I know there’s still a lot more to do, but having Red Bull’s belief behind me makes the journey clearer.

“Next season brings a new series, a new team and a fresh opportunity to test myself. Moving up the single-seater ladder has always been the goal, and I’m incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to race in Formula Regional with Rodin Motorsport. I can’t wait to get going.”

Palmowski becomes the fifth F1 Academy graduate to move into FREC, following Maya Weug, Doriane Pin, Marta Garcia and Lena Buhler. The seat is fully funded, following her 2026 title success.

“What a journey it’s been for Alisha,” F1 Academy managing director Susie Wolff said. “From joining us as a Wild Card Driver in 2024 to becoming F1 Academy champion just two years later, she has grabbed this opportunity with both hands. Not only has she proven herself a worthy champion, but she has also demonstrated to Red Bull Racing that she warrants their continued support and a place in their Junior Program.

“Helping our champions take the next step in their development is a part of our mission at F1 Academy. We want to see them continue to progress and have the opportunities and support they need to climb further up the motorsport ladder.

“We are all proud of Alisha, not only for what she has achieved on track, but also for the character, determination and integrity she has shown off it. She is a fantastic role model for the next generation, and everyone at F1 Academy will be cheering her on from afar as she takes on this next challenge.”