Red Bull Academy Programme Retains Alisha and Rafa for 2026 F1 Academy Season

The Red Bull Academy Programme has confirmed that rising motorsport talents Alisha Palmowski and Rafaela Ferreira will continue with the Team for the 2026 F1 Academy season, reinforcing its commitment to developing the next generation of racing stars. Both drivers return for their sophomore year after promising rookie campaigns that showcased their potential on the global stage.

Strong Rookie Season for Alisha

Manchester-born Alisha, aged 19, delivered an immediate impact in her maiden F1 Academy season, securing a spectacular win on debut during the Reverse Grid race in Shanghai. Her consistency across the year earned her four podium finishes, and with two races still remaining, she is poised for a top-five finish in the championship, having already accumulated 73 points. Her performance has been widely praised within the Red Bull Racing Academy structure.

Rafa Continues Her Rise After Breakthrough Year

For 20-year-old Rafa, the 2025 season marked her first full year competing overseas after earlier success in the F4 Brazilian Championship. Racing under the Visa Cash App Racing Bulls (VCARB) banner, she delivered strong growth throughout the season, scoring points in five races, including an impressive P5 finish in the Reverse Grid race in Shanghai. Her development has positioned her as a key talent for the Team heading into 2026.

Long-Term Commitment to F1 Academy

With all ten Formula One teams having signed a multi-year extension to support the F1 Academy initiative, the Red Bull Academy Programme will continue to oversee both the Red Bull Racing Academy Programme and the Visa Cash App Racing Bulls Academy Programme.

Entering its third season, the Programme remains dedicated to offering full-time support to its drivers—on and off the track—while continuing to cultivate future champions.

Leadership Praises Driver Continuity

Laurent Mekies, CEO and Team Principal of Oracle Red Bull Racing, said:
“We’re very excited that Alisha will be continuing her journey in F1 Academy with Red Bull Racing. 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.”

Alisha Palmowski expressed her excitement, saying:
“I’m really excited to continue my F1 Academy journey with Red Bull Racing. I’ve loved being part of the Team this last year and can’t wait to continue working hard next season.”

Peter Bayer, CEO of Visa Cash App Racing Bulls, added:
“Everyone at VCARB is thrilled to have Rafa represent our team for another season. 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.”

Rafaela Ferreira said:
“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.”

Sarah Harrington, Red Bull Academy Programme Manager, concluded:
“As a Team, we’re delighted to keep Alisha and Rafa on board for next year. We’ve enjoyed some great moments with both of them this season, particularly their debuts in Shanghai. Both have continued to progress as the year has gone on, and we’re eager to see their development as second-year drivers in 2026.”