Alisha Palmowski secured a crucial double pole position start for the pivotal fifth round of the 2026 F1 Academy season at the Circuit of the Americas. Entering the weekend with a triple-header format offering up to 65 points, the championship leader faced high-stakes pressure right from the opening sessions.
The path to the front row was far from straightforward during a tense qualifying hour in Texas. Palmowski’s initial benchmark lap of 2:07.714 was temporarily deleted by race control due to an alleged track limits infringement, momentarily shifting the momentum to her title rivals.
Fortunately for the Campos charger, a subsequent review reinstated her fastest lap time, restoring her to the top of the timesheets. The decision guaranteed Alisha Palmowski the coveted pole position start for Friday's Opening Race at the US GP.
Home favourite Payton Westcott delivered a stellar performance for PREMA by storming to provisional pole before slotting into second with a 2:07.812 lap. Meanwhile, Nina Gademann and Natalia Granada rounded out a competitive second row to set up an electrifying battle at the front.
On the other hand, practice pacesetter Emma Felbermayr struggled to replicate her earlier speed when it mattered most, slipping down to ninth on the starting grid. This setback hands Alisha Palmowski an early championship advantage as she aims to close out the 2026 crown.
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