F1 Academy breaks new ground this weekend as the series makes its racing debut at Silverstone as part of a bumper British Grand Prix programme. In its fourth season since inception, the all-female series takes its place on the support bill alongside F2 and F3 at the historic track for the first time on Formula 1’s Sprint weekend. For the five British drivers in this year’s F1 Academy field – Megan Bruce, Ella Lloyd, Alisha Palmowski, Rachel Robertson and Ella Stevens – the weekend carries
extra significance and excitement in front of what is expected to be a record 565,000 crowd across the event. British GP: Sprint weekend schedule and how to watch for free on SkyF1 Academy latest news, video and resultsDownload the Sky Sports app for expert analysis, best video & more📱Not got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract on NOW📺 Red Bull-backed Palmowski leads the championship following the 2026 season’s opening two rounds after two victories out of three last time out in Canada,
with Campos team-mate Bruce third in the standings. “It’s going to be really special,” Palmowski told Sky Sports. “My passion for motorsport was unlocked here at Silverstone so it really will be a dream come true. “I’m used to being a fan in those grandstands so to now actually be on track and take in all that atmosphere and absorb all of that will be incredible.” Palmowski, 19, first attended the British Grand Prix as a young fan in 2015, one of a record nine
won by Lewis Hamilton. “I was eight years old, I was up at 6am and stood at the front row to get the best view of the cars,” she said. “It was when I first saw F1 cars in person – the smell, the sound – and I was just hooked instantly.” Widely considered to be one of motorsport’s most revered and challenging tracks, the sweeping Silverstone layout is therefore one of the most enjoyable to drive for drivers. Asked what she was looking forward
to about Silverstone the most, McLaren’s Lloyd, a podium finisher at the venue in British F4 in 2024, said: “Just the track in general. “I’ve always loved this track, and I’ve been pretty fast here, so every time I come here I just enjoy driving.” When to watch F1 Academy on Sky Sports F1 this weekend Friday July 37.40am: F1 Academy Practice5.55pm: F1 Academy Qualifying Saturday July 46pm: F1 Academy Race 1 Sunday July 59.55am: F1 Academy Race 2* *also on Sky Sports Main Event
Formula 1 is in Silverstone for a Sprint weekend at the British Grand Prix – live on Sky Sports F1 and Sky One with coverage from Thursday to Sunday’s race at 3pm. Stream Sky Sports with NOW – no contract, cancel anytime
F1 Academy, Silverstone, British Grand Prix, Sprint weekend, Alisha Palmowski, Megan Bruce, Ella Lloyd, Rachel Robertson, Ella Stevens, 2026 season
So are they racing on the same track as F1 or is it like a practice thing? Either way Silverstone is gonna be packed lol.
Kinda awesome honestly, but I’m confused why it says Sprint weekend like F1 Academy is part of Sprint? Also 565,000 crowd sounds made up but maybe not.
Megan Bruce is third right? so she should win the whole thing easy, right? Like if Palmowski has 2 wins outta 3 then that’s basically locked in. I didn’t even know this series existed until this headline.
I saw Silverstone mentioned and instantly thought this was a normal F1 thing, not a whole women’s series debut. But the schedule part got me, like Friday July 3 practice… is that in 2026 or this year? Anyway hope they get good coverage, tired of motorsport coverage being random.