The opening F1 Academy Reverse Grid Race of the British Grand Prix weekend featured a shuffled starting order, producing early position changes across the field. With the first eight drivers starting out of their qualifying positions, the race offered an opportunity for some and a challenge for others as they worked through the opening laps at Silverstone.
Emma Felbermayr Extends Points Streak With Silverstone Win in Reverse Grid Race
The Reverse Grid Race came to a close with Emma Felbermayr securing victory after a composed and consistent drive. Qualifying eighth, Felbermayr inherited reverse-grid pole position and made the most of the opportunity, launching cleanly off the line to retain the lead into the opening corner.
Despite expressing disappointment with her qualifying result, which had put her second place in the championship under pressure, the Austrian delivered when it mattered most. She steadily pulled away from the chasing pack, repeatedly setting the fastest laps of the race to build a comfortable advantage at the front. With no serious challenge for the lead, Felbermayr controlled proceedings from lights to flag, securing maximum points from the Reverse Grid Race.
The victory extended her remarkable record of scoring points in every race of the 2026 F1 Academy season, providing a significant boost to her championship campaign heading into the remainder of the Silverstone weekend.
Bättig fights back into the points in the Reverse Grid Race
Wildcard driver Chiara Bättig was the one to watch, securing the record for being the only wildcard driver to qualify on pole after showing consistent speed. The 16-year-old driver didn’t get off to the best start, dropping down to P10 from P8, putting a points finish at risk.
Refusing to let the slower start negatively impact her race result, she demonstrated an aggressive comeback, having a look down the inside of Alba Larsen on lap two. Although the move didn’t initially stick, Bättig stayed within striking distance and continued piling on the pressure, attempting another move around the outside a few laps later.
Learning from her earlier attempt, she finally found a way through on lap six to climb into P9 before setting the fastest lap of the race on lap eight, underlining the pace she had throughout the weekend. Another overtake on Megan Bruce elevated her into the all-important top eight by lap nine, securing a points finish on the road.
Reverse Grid Race Tests Drivers Throughout the Field
The race was less smooth sailing for a handful of the other drivers, especially Jade Jacquet and Esmee Kosterman, who had a slow launch off the line. Kosterman, who qualified P15, was able to find some speed and secured a P12 position. It might not have been a points-scoring position, but it has certainly shown her determination. Jacquet wasn’t quite as lucky, as she crossed the line, qualifying P18 and finishing in that position too.
Mercedes driver Payton Westcott was a victim of bad luck after receiving a five-second penalty following a false start, where the driver was moving before the signal. The American driver qualified P10 yesterday and finished the race in P14, with hopes of achieving a better position in the race tomorrow.
Championship leader Alisha Palmowski made steady progress through the field after the reverse-grid format dropped her from second in qualifying to seventh on the starting grid. The Brit gained two positions within the opening two laps, moving into fifth, before producing a measured drive as she carefully picked her overtaking opportunities rather than forcing risky moves.
Her calculated approach paid off, with Palmowski holding onto fifth place to limit the damage in the championship standings and collect valuable points heading into the remainder of the Silverstone weekend.
