The Silverstone Circuit witnessed an exhilarating display of skill and strategy as Emma Felbermayr of Audi clinched her second victory of the 2026 F1 Academy season. The Reverse Grid Race, known for its unpredictable nature, saw Felbermayr maintain a steady lead from start to finish, showcasing her mastery of the track.
With a lights-to-flag performance, Felbermayr kept the challenging Nina Gademan at bay, ultimately crossing the finish line two seconds ahead. The podium was completed by Ella Lloyd, ensuring a double podium finish for Rodin Motorsport. This victory not only highlights Felbermayr’s consistency but also sets the stage for an intense Feature Race on Sunday.
The Battle for the Podium
The race was a testament to the fierce competition within the F1 Academy. Rachel Robertson of PUMA secured her first points of the campaign with a commendable fourth-place finish. Alisha Palmowski, another standout performer, advanced two positions to finish fifth. The points were closely contested, with Lisa Billard and Ava Dobson following in sixth and seventh respectively.
A special mention goes to Wild Card driver Chiara Battig, who made a remarkable debut. Battig regained two positions, scoring her first point and claiming the fastest lap bonus point in eighth place. Her performance has set high expectations for the upcoming Feature Race, where she will start on pole position.
Silverstone’s Debut in F1 Academy
The Silverstone Circuit, renowned for its high-speed sections and challenging corners, made its debut in the F1 Academy calendar this weekend. The 5.891km track, featuring 18 corners, tested the drivers’ ability to balance speed and precision. The ultra-fast sections through Abbey and Farm, coupled with the rapid left-right switches through Maggotts and Becketts, demanded exceptional skill and focus.
Despite the absence of rain, the varying track conditions due to the timing of the sessions added an extra layer of complexity. Free Practice began early on Friday morning, followed by an evening Qualifying session. The Reverse Grid Race took place later on Saturday, with the Feature Race scheduled for Sunday morning. The warm temperatures put tyre management at the forefront of the drivers’ strategies.
Key Talking Points Ahead of the Feature Race
As the F1 Academy reaches the halfway point of the 2026 season, the stakes are higher than ever. Alisha Palmowski, who has built a 25-point lead over Felbermayr, will be looking to extend her advantage. Known for her dominance on home turf, Palmowski’s familiarity with the Silverstone Circuit could prove decisive.
Ella Lloyd, aiming to reignite her campaign, has shown impressive pace during in-season testing. With a fastest 568, Lloyd’s experience and skill will be crucial in her quest to close the gap on Palmowski. The Feature Race on Sunday promises to be a thrilling showdown, with the outcome potentially shaping the rest of the season.
The spotlight will also be on Wild Card driver Chiara Battig, who has already made a significant impact. Her third-place finish in British F4 at Silverstone earlier this year has raised expectations for a potential podium finish. As the first Wild Card driver to start on pole, Battig’s performance will be closely watched by fans and competitors alike.
