The F1 Academy broke new ground this weekend when it made its racing debut at Silverstone as part of a bumper British Grand Prix programme.
Now in its fourth season since its inception, the series joins F2 and F3 in the support segment at the historic track for the first time in Formula 1’s sprint weekend.
For the five British drivers taking part in this year’s F1 Academy field – Megan Bruce, Ella Lloyd, Alisha Palmowski, Rachel Robertson and Ella Stevens – this weekend is an even more meaningful and exciting event, with a record crowd of 565,000 expected to attend.
Red Bull-backed Palmowski leads the championship following the opening two rounds of the 2026 season after two wins out of three in his last outing in Canada, with Campos teammate Bruce third in the standings.
“It’s going to be really special,” Palmowski said. sky sports.
“It will truly be a dream come true as my passion for motorsport has been unleashed here at Silverstone.
“I’m used to being a fan in the stands, and now to actually stand on the track and take in all that atmosphere and just absorb it all is going to be incredible.”
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2026 Canadian Grand Prix Third F1 Academy Race Highlights
Palmoski, 19, first attended the British Grand Prix as a young fan in 2015, one of Lewis Hamilton’s record nine wins.
“I was 8 years old. I would wake up at 6 a.m. and be in the front row to get the best view of the cars,” she said.
“When I first saw an F1 car in person, I was fascinated by the smell, the sound, and the moment.”
Widely regarded as one of the most respected and challenging tracks in motorsport, the Silverstone layout is therefore one of the most enjoyable tracks for drivers to drive.
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Alba Larsen discusses empowering the next generation through her initiative, Girls International Racing Lab (GIRL).
Asked what he was most looking forward to about Silverstone, McLaren’s Lloyd, who took a podium in the 2024 British F4 race, said: “It’s just the track in general.
“I’ve always loved this track and it goes pretty fast here, so I enjoy driving it every time I come here.”
When you watch the F1 Academy this weekend on Sky Sports F1.
Friday, July 3
7.40am: F1 Academy practice
5.55pm: F1 Academy Qualifying
Saturday, July 4th
6pm: F1 Academy Race 1
Sunday, July 5th
9:55 AM: F1 Academy Race 2*
*Applies to Sky Sports main event as well
Formula 1 is at Silverstone for the British Grand Prix sprint weekend. It will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1 and Sky One from Thursday to Sunday from 3pm. Stream Sky Sports NOW – No Commitment, Cancel Anytime
