Red Bull Extends F1 Academy Contracts for Palmowski and Ferreira Through 2026

Red Bull has confirmed that Alisha Palmowski and Rafaela Ferreira will continue their journey in the F1 Academy series, signing new contracts to compete through the 2026 season. This announcement comes as the all-female series approaches its finale at the Las Vegas Grand Prix this weekend, highlighting Red Bull's commitment to nurturing young female talent.

Why it matters:

• The F1 Academy serves as a crucial platform for developing future female racing stars, and Red Bull's early commitment to these drivers underscores the importance of long-term investment in their careers.
• Securing contracts for 2026 demonstrates Red Bull's confidence in Palmowski and Ferreira's potential, providing them with stability and a clear pathway for continued development in a highly competitive motorsport environment.
• This move aligns with the broader F1 initiative to increase diversity and representation in motorsport, offering aspiring female drivers the resources and opportunities needed to climb the racing ladder.

The Details:

• Driver Progress: Both Palmowski and Ferreira are completing their first full seasons in F1 Academy in 2025. Palmowski, representing the Red Bull Racing Pepe Jeans Academy Programme, currently sits fifth in the standings, having won the season opener in China. Ferreira, part of the Visa Cash App Racing Bulls Academy Programme, is 12th in the championship with a best finish of fifth in Shanghai.
• Team Support: Laurent Mekies, Red Bull F1 Team Principal, praised Palmowski's "very promising rookie season" and her embodiment of the "Red Bull spirit." Peter Bayer, Racing Bulls CEO, expressed enthusiasm for Ferreira's continued development, noting her integration into the VCARB family.
• Academy Program Goals: Sarah Harrington, Programme Manager of the Red Bull Academy Programme, emphasized the team's delight in retaining both drivers, highlighting their progression throughout the year and eagerness to see their development as second-year drivers.
• Broader Context: Doriane Pin (Mercedes-affiliated) is currently leading the F1 Academy title race, with Ferrari-backed Maya Weung nine points behind heading into the Las Vegas double-header. Red Bull Ford racer Chloe Chambers secured pole position for the first race in Vegas.

What's next:

With Palmowski and Ferreira's futures secured for the 2026 F1 Academy season, the focus for Red Bull will shift to maximizing their performance and continued growth within the series.

• This early renewal provides both drivers with invaluable continuity, allowing them to concentrate on honing their skills without the immediate pressure of securing a seat for the following year.
• Their continued presence will be vital for Red Bull's F1 Academy programs, serving as experienced figures and potential mentors for new talents who may join the Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls academies in the future.
• The broader F1 Academy season will conclude in Las Vegas, setting the stage for the 2026 campaign where these two talents will aim to build on their progress and challenge for top honors.

This commitment reflects Red Bull's long-term vision for developing talent across all levels of motorsport, reinforcing its pipeline for future stars.