2026 F1 Academy grid takes shape as six drivers confirmed

The 2026 F1 Academy grid is beginning to take shape as six drivers have been confirmed for next year ahead of the 2025 season finale in Las Vegas.

In addition to some new faces for 2026, the McLaren Formula 1 team is set to expand its support of the all-female racing series by backing two cars next year, and the LEGO Group is also set to join the championship, fielding one car.

Which F1 Academy drivers are confirmed for 2026?

Alisha Palmowski

19-year-old British driver Alisha Palmowski will return for her second year in F1 Academy with the Red Bull Racing Pepe Jeans Academy Programme. After winning the first race of 2025 in China, Palmowski went on to secure three podiums. She currently sits fifth in the drivers' standings ahead of the final round in Las Vegas.

"We're very excited that Alisha will be continuing her journey in F1 Academy with Red Bull Racing," Red Bull Racing CEO and team principal Laurent Mekies said. "She has had a very promising rookie season and is going from strength to strength. She embodies the Red Bull spirit and is a fantastic flagbearer for Red Bull Racing in F1 Academy."

"I'm really excited to continue my F1 Academy journey with Red Bull Racing," Palmowski added. "I've loved being part of the team this last year and can't wait to continue working hard next season."

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Rafaela Ferreira

20-year-old Rafaela Ferreira is also set to return with the Visa Cash App Racing Bulls Academy Programme in 2026. She has secured five points-scoring finishes so far in her rookie season. Ferreira currently sits 12th in the standings.

"Everyone at VCARB is thrilled to have Rafa represent our team for another season," Racing Bulls CEO Peter Bayer said. "She has become a big part of our family over the last year, and both Alan and I are excited to see how she continues to develop going into her second season."

Ferreira added: "Returning for another season in F1 Academy will give me the chance to further develop my skills as a driver and I'm honoured to represent the VCARB family in the series."

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Lisa Billard

Lisa Billard will enter her rookie F1 Academy season in 2026 with Gatorade. At just 16 years old, she has secured her seat after earning a Wild Card entry for Round 6 for F1 Academy in Singapore. She was the women’s champion in the 2025 French F4 Championship at Le Mans, and was the first female to win a race in the French Junior Karting Championship.

“Single-seater racing pushes your body to the limit," Billard said. "You can lose up to four kilograms of fluid, burn huge amounts of calories, and race in hot temperatures. So, working with a brand like Gatorade and GSSI to understand my hydration and recovery couldn’t be more important. I’m so excited to take on my first season of F1 ACADEMY in 2026, with the support of Gatorade behind me.”

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Esmee Kosterman

Esmee Kosterman will join the 2026 grid with the LEGO Group. The 20-year-old driver secured the full-time seat after featuring in Round 5 at Zandvoort this year as a Wild Card entry. She became the first woman to win in the Ford Fiesta Sprint Cup series in 2023.

“To be the first driver for LEGO Racing is such an exciting opportunity, and I can't wait to continue my racing journey with F1 ACADEMY," Kosterman explained. "I've long been a fan of the LEGO brand, its creativity and what it stands for and to bring it to the track from the 2026 season onwards is incredible. I hope this inspires future generations of female drivers, that with hard work and determination, anything is possible!”

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Ella Lloyd

Ella Lloyd will take part in her second F1 Academy season in 2026 as she continues with the McLaren Driver Development Programme. In her rookie season, the Welsh driver has secured five podium finishes and a race win. As a result, she sits third in the drivers' standings ahead of the final round in Las Vegas.

Ella Stevens

Ella Stevens has secured the second seat backed by McLaren as she joins the Woking outfit's Driver Development Programme. She finished runner-up in the 2025 British KZ2 Karting Championship and is the only woman to win in the UK's premier karting class.

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