Mathilda Paatz claimed her maiden F1 ACADEMY victory in a dramatic ending to the Reverse Grid Race at the 2026 Canadian Grand Prix
In a race with two safety cars and multiple penalties, Paatz managed to stay out of trouble. Behind her, Alba Larsen and Kaylee Countryman both secured their maiden podiums in the series.
So Far This Weekend…
Alisha Palmowski continued her impressive 2026 form by securing double pole position during F1 ACADEMY qualifying in Montreal. The Red Bull Racing driver topped the session with a commanding lap, finishing nearly four tenths clear of the field at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve.
PREMA Racing’s Payton Westcott delivered one of her strongest performances of the season to take second, while Campos Racing driver Megan Bruce completed the top three and secured her first front-row start in the category. Palmowski’s second-fastest lap was also enough to seal pole position for the Opening Race, capping off a dominant qualifying display in Canada.
Earlier today, Alisha Palmowski was back to her winning ways after securing victory in the Opening Race in Canada. Behind her, Rookies Megan Bruce and Mathilda Paatz both picked up their maiden F1 ACADEMY podiums. While penalties and mechanical issues left Westcott down in 16th.
Lights Out on Reverse Grid Race
It was Kaylee Countryman who led the field away for her first time. However the experience of Rafael Ferreira was evident as they stormed to the lead. Behind, Paatz was making the most of their lock ups in third.
It wasn’t long until Emma Felbermayr was send spinning. For the second race in a row the series contender was sent to the back of the field. Her collision came from Larsen losing control in the back end of Lap 1. Behind her, Ava Dobson and Rachel Robertson were forced to retire after a collision on the opening race.
With the Safety Car deployed, this weekend’s wildcard Autumn Fisher pulled back out of the Pit Lane and to the back of the field. With racing brought to a standstill, all eyes were on Ferreira’s starting procedure as a penally looms over the Racing Bulls driver.
Green Flags in Montreal
After six laps under the Safety Car, F1 ACADEMY was away again. Ferreira set the pace past the Wall of Champions. Quickly pulling away, the Brazilian was quick to put half a second between herself and the field.
In the midfield, Palmowski sustained front wing damage after she rear ended Alba Larsen on Lap 7. While she only dropped one position on track, the Series leader was called into the pits with fears of overheating but she opted to stay out.
Off track, Jade Jacquet, Ella Stevens and Ferreira were all handed penalties. The Williams driver received a five second penalty for speeding in the Pit Lane, while Stevens picked up a five second stop and go penalty. With the field bunched together, Countryman was in prime position to benefit from the penalties. Felbermayr and Larsen incident as well as Dobson and Robertson were called to be investigated post race.
With six laps remaining in the Reverse Grid Race, it was Paatz who continued to pressure Countryman for second. Paatz, who joined Aston Martin’s new Driver Programme earlier this year, was on track for back to back F1 ACADEMY podiums. One lap later, Paatz made her move, diving down the inside of Countryman in the final chicane.
Second Safety Car
A second Safety Car was brought out following a collision between teammates Palmowski and Megan Bruce. With the series leader sent spinning by the TAG Heuer driver, Nina Gademan was forced to take evasive action towards the barriers. The Opening Race victor was able to restart her race, dropping down to 14th, while Bruce received a five second time penalty.
Ella Stevens day went from bad to worse, as the McLaren Oxygen driver receiving another time penalty for speeding through the Pit Lane. With the Race switching from a lapped to time race, the race finished with a one lap dash for the flag.
While Ferreira got away cleanly, Paatz was only three tenths behind. However, the Brazilian was handed a five second time penalty for her false start. With one corner remaining, Larsen and Countryman trading places.
As the checkered flag flew, it was Paatz who claimed her first victory in F1 ACADEMY for herself and Aston Martin. Behind her Larsen picked up her first podium in F1 ACADEMY with a second. Reverse Grid pole sitter Countryman managed her first podium in the series in third.
Behind them, Rookies Payton Westcott, Natalia Granada and Lisa Billard rounded out the top six. Ella Lloyd, Felbermayr and Bruce all finished ahead of Ferreira and inside the top ten. In a disappointing ending, the Racing Bulls driver Ferreira had to settle for tenth.
However, with many outstanding incidents and final lap reviews needed, these results are likely to change.
F1 ACADEMY returns tomorrow for the Feature Race at the 2026 Canadian Grand Prix at 15:45 GMT.
Feature Image Credit: Aston Martin F1 Team