Alisha Palmowski clinched pole position once again as the F1 Academy roared into Zandvoort for the Dutch Grand Prix qualifying session.
Demonstrating impeccable skill in treacherous, variable conditions on the historic coastal circuit, the Red Bull Racing driver, managed by Campos Racing, unleashed a stunning lap time of 1:40.911 to secure the top spot on the grid.
Trailing closely behind Palmowski, Alba Larsen of Ferrari, running under the MP banner, locked in second place with a competitive 1:41.775. Completing the podium in qualifying was Natalia Granada, representing Sephora with PREMA Racing, who posted a solid 1:42.010. The tight margins between the top three underscore the intensity of the competition at this pivotal event.
Dutch GP Wild Card entrant Zoe Florescu, competing for Dirt is Good operated by HITECH, impressed by finishing seventh in her debut qualifying session with a lap of 1:43.349. Florescu’s performance earns her a coveted front-row start for the Reverse Grid race scheduled later today, setting the stage for an exciting challenge.
Further down the order, Emma Felbermayr for Audi operated by Rodin Motorsport clocked in fourth at 1:42.165, while Nina Gademan of Alpine (MP Motorsport) and Rachel Robertson from PUMA operated by HITECH secured fifth and sixth places respectively. Notable names such as Megan Bruce (Tag Heuer, Hitech), Payton Westcott (Mercedes, PREMA Racing), and Jade Jacquet (Williams, ART Grand Prix) filled out the top ten, each separated by mere fractions of a second.
The full qualifying classification highlights fierce competition across the grid, with drivers like Esmee Kosterman (Lego Racing, MP Motorsport), Ella Lloyd (McLaren, Rodin Motorsport), and Kaylee Countryman (Haas, ART Grand Prix) battling in the midfield. Meanwhile, the tail-end featured Rafaela Ferreira (Racing Bulls, Campos Racing) and Lisa Billard (Gatorade, ART Grand Prix), both striving to improve as the weekend unfolds.
This qualifying session at Zandvoort not only sets the tone for the main race but also injects fresh momentum into the battle. Palmowski’s commanding pole lap will put immense pressure on her rivals, but with the Reverse Grid race looming, expect strategic gambits and thrilling on-track action from the entire field.
Zoe Florescu’s breakthrough qualifying performance as a wild card entrant is a highlight, promising unpredictable dynamics in the upcoming races. As the F1 Academy heads into this decisive Dutch Grand Prix weekend, the stakes are higher than ever, and every millisecond counts.