F1 Academy Testing Resumes at Zandvoort
The F1 Academy won’t be back in action until the Dutch Grand Prix at Circuit Zandvoort in late August.
However, things are still buzzing this week.
This week also marks the second in-season testing session at Zandvoort, following a three-day test in Jeddah. Over the next two days, drivers will be focusing on getting a feel for both the car and the track.
On the first day of testing, Alisha Palmowski from Red Bull Racing topped the timing sheets, edging out Ferrari’s Maya Weug with a lap time of 1:38.074 during the afternoon session.
The morning began quite subdued, with Tommy Hilfiger driver Alba Larsen setting the early pace at 1:43.420 during the second hour. Weug quickly beat this time with her own lap of 1:40.939. The session wrapped up with a close contest between Chloe Chambers and Weug, who finished just 0.002 seconds apart; Chambers’ time was 1:39.364.
In the afternoon session, Mercedes driver Dorian Ping broke the 1:30 barrier. After a couple of Red Flag interruptions—first from Aurelia Nobelz and later from Courtney Cron—Weug and Chambers resumed their fight for the top. Weug recorded a lap of 1:38.567 as they switched back and forth with their best times.
But then, in the final moments, Palmowski delivered a standout lap of 1:38.074, securing her spot at the top of the day’s standings.
Weug finished just a hair behind in second, 0.087 seconds off Palmowski’s time, with Chambers, Lloyd, and Rafaela Ferreira rounding out the top five.
“Overall, it was a fantastic day,” Palmowski reflected after the session. “This is my first experience at Zandvoort, and it’s definitely a technical circuit. It’s among the most physically demanding on the calendar.
“We’ve logged hundreds of laps in simulators with both Red Bull and Campos, which has really prepared us for these last two days of testing,” she added.
After facing some challenges during the afternoon session, Palmowski managed to finish strong, noting how the new tires greatly improved the car’s balance. “For me, there’s definitely more time to be gained, which is promising for tomorrow.”
Looking ahead to Wednesday’s session, she mentioned that wet conditions could provide a unique challenge. “I welcome the chance to drive in different circumstances,” Palmowski said, adding that she’s eager to experience the car in the rain.
“There’s been a lot to adapt to throughout the year—new teams, new cars, new tracks. It’s all part of the learning process,” she explained. “Conditions can change rapidly, and you have to adjust your driving style accordingly.
“I’m excited for the rain! I’ve only had a chance to deal with it once this year, in Miami. Being from the UK, I actually look forward to it.”
Day 2 of the F1 Academy testing at Zandvoort is set to conclude today.
