Alisha Palmowski extended her championship lead with victory in the F1 Academy feature race at Zandvoort, taking the chequered flag ahead of Alba Larsen and Nina Gademan.
Palmowski converted pole position into another important win as she strengthened her position at the top of the standings, while Larsen backed up her second-place finish in Saturday’s reverse grid race with another podium.
Gademan completed the top three at her home round, while Granada finished fourth after starting from third. Megan Bruce secured fifth, with the battle behind remaining close throughout the race.
Larsen’s second-place finish capped a hugely successful weekend for the Ferrari driver, who scored 26 points across the Zandvoort round. Palmowski collected 26 points today after securing the fastest lap alongside her race victory.
Palmowski withstands Larsen’s early attack
Granada made an excellent start from third and immediately put pressure on the front two, but Palmowski and Larsen were able to hold their positions through the opening corners.
Gademan then got around Granada following a small touch between the two drivers, moving herself into third. Larsen was immediately looking hungry for the lead, taking the outside line as she searched for a way past Palmowski.
The championship leader was able to defend, but Larsen continued to apply pressure into the second lap. The Ferrari driver picked up the tow from Palmowski and went close around the corner, but the championship leader once again held on.
Behind the podium battle, Ella Lloyd enjoyed an impressive start, gaining three places to tuck herself into the top 10. The move put Lloyd into the fight for points as the field began to settle.
Close battles keep the midfield busy
Felbermayr was looking to make progress on lap four when she attempted to overtake Granada down the starting straight. A late move on the inside resulted in small contact between the pair, but Granada was able to defend her position and keep fourth.
Lisa Billard and Jacquet were also involved in a small collision while battling for 11th. There was no further investigation, allowing the Williams driver to retain her position.
At the front, Palmowski was gradually beginning to create some breathing room. By lap 12, the championship leader had opened up a two-second advantage over Larsen for the first time in the race.
The fight for the remaining points-paying positions remained tight, with Bruce, Robertson, Lloyd and Westcott all battling for sixth. None of the drivers could make a move stick, allowing Bruce to hold onto the position.
Billard enjoyed an impressive recovery drive, gaining five places during the first half of the lap to move up to 12th as the midfield continued to fight for every position.
Palmowski pulls clear to take the win
Heading into the final lap, Palmowski had extended her advantage to 2.3 seconds over Larsen while also holding the fastest lap of the race.
There was no late challenge for the victory, with Palmowski crossing the line to take another crucial win in her championship campaign. The fastest lap also handed her the bonus point, giving her 26 points from the race.
Larsen followed her home in second, completing another impressive performance after her reverse grid podium on Saturday. Her 26-point weekend haul made her the highest points scorer across the Zandvoort round.
Gademan completed the podium in third, securing a strong result at her home round, while Granada held onto fourth despite the pressure earlier in the race.
Palmowski now holds a 136-point championship lead with just two rounds remaining in the 2026 season. The championship heads to Austin next before the season finale in Las Vegas.
