OFICIAL Formula 1

The F1 ACADEMY storylines to get excited about in Zandvoort

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Based on Formula 1 · Aug 21, 2026

The F1 ACADEMY resumes at Zandvoort with seven races remaining, where points leader Alisha Palmowski faces challenges from Zoe Florescu, Alba Larsen, and Nina Gademan amid tight competition.

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The F1 ACADEMY storylines to get excited about in Zandvoort
Formula 1 — Formula 1
Key points
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F1 ACADEMY returns for an action-packed weekend at Circuit Zandvoort.
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It is not just Formula 1 that is straight back up to speed after the summer break, as the F1 ACADEMY action resumes with a visit to the not-so sunny seaside at Zandvoort.
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The stakes are raised and the title fight gets even fiercer, as the 2026 campaign reaches over the halfway mark.
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With plenty of twists and turns ahead, here is everything you need to watch out for in Round 4… It’s been a long summer break for the field since Round 3 at the start of July, but it’s certainly not been a quiet one.
Key numbers
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The F1 ACADEMY returns to Circuit Zandvoort for Round 4, marking the midpoint of the 2026 season with seven races remaining.
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The Dutch circuit, known for unpredictable weather, offers a chance for drivers to close gaps in the standings, with a maximum of 143 points still available.
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Alba Larsen, despite early-season expectations, remains without a podium and sits ninth, 84 points behind leader Palmowski.

The F1 ACADEMY returns to Circuit Zandvoort for Round 4, marking the midpoint of the 2026 season with seven races remaining. The event follows a summer break where drivers participated in in-season testing and regional Formula 4 series to maintain competitiveness. The Dutch circuit, known for unpredictable weather, offers a chance for drivers to close gaps in the standings, with a maximum of 143 points still available.

Chiara Battig set a recent benchmark at Silverstone as the series’ youngest polesitter and first Wild Card podium finisher. Zoe Florescu, stepping into the #15 Dirt Is Good car, brings experience from Spanish F4 but will face a steep learning curve at Zandvoort. In-season testing provided limited preparation, and breaking into the points will be her immediate goal. Alba Larsen, despite early-season expectations, remains without a podium and sits ninth, 84 points behind leader Palmowski.

Alisha Palmowski leads the championship with 108 points, followed by Nina Gademan and Emma Felbermayr. Palmowski’s four wins and strong in-season testing performances make her the favorite, but Zandvoort’s history of rain and pole-position dominance could shift momentum. Felbermayr, the only driver to score points in every race, has the best chance to close the gap, while Gademan seeks to replicate her 2024 Wild Card points finish and 2025 victory at the circuit.

Qualifying will be decisive at Zandvoort, where six of seven F1 ACADEMY races have been won from pole position. The circuit’s unpredictable conditions may disrupt Palmowski’s lead, offering opportunities for Gademan and Felbermayr. With weather forecasts suggesting rain, drivers must adapt quickly to changing track conditions to capitalize on potential openings in the title fight.

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