Alisha Palmowski and Rafaela Ferreira retained for 2026 campaign

Alisha Palmowski and Rafaela Ferreira will be returning for their sophomore F1 ACADEMY seasons next year, with the Red Bull Racing Pepe Jeans Academy Programme and the Visa Cash App Racing Bulls Academy Programme announcing that they have renewed the pair’s contracts.

Palmowski has enjoyed a strong rookie season, winning the opening race of the season in Shanghai. From there, the 19-year-old British racer has scored three further podiums and is on course to finish fifth in the Drivers’ Standings.

Ferreira’s first season racing outside Brazil has seen the 20-year-old deliver five points-scoring finishes, including a best result so far of P5 in Shanghai Race 1.

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, Red Bull Racing Pepe Jeans Academy Programme driver, said: "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, said: "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, Visa Cash App Racing Bulls Academy Programme driver, 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, said: "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."