'A dream come true' - F1 Academy making history at Silverstone

F1 Academy breaks new ground this weekend as the series makes its racing debut at Silverstone as part of a bumper British Grand Prix programme.

In its fourth season since inception, the all-female series takes its place on the support bill alongside F2 and F3 at the historic track for the first time on Formula 1's Sprint weekend.

For the five British drivers in this year's F1 Academy field - Megan Bruce, Ella Lloyd, Alisha Palmowski, Rachel Robertson and Ella Stevens - the weekend carries extra significance and excitement in front of what is expected to be a record 565,000 crowd across the event.

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Red Bull-backed Palmowski leads the championship following the 2026 season's opening two rounds after two victories out of three last time out in Canada, with Campos team-mate Bruce third in the standings.

"It's going to be really special," Palmowski told Sky Sports.

"My passion for motorsport was unlocked here at Silverstone so it really will be a dream come true.

"I'm used to being a fan in those grandstands so to now actually be on track and take in all that atmosphere and absorb all of that will be incredible."

Palmowski, 19, first attended the British Grand Prix as a young fan in 2015, one of a record nine won by Lewis Hamilton.

"I was eight years old, I was up at 6am and stood at the front row to get the best view of the cars," she said.

"It was when I first saw F1 cars in person - the smell, the sound - and I was just hooked instantly."

Widely considered to be one of motorsport's most revered and challenging tracks, the sweeping Silverstone layout is therefore one of the most enjoyable to drive for drivers.

Asked what she was looking forward to about Silverstone the most, McLaren's Lloyd, a podium finisher at the venue in British F4 in 2024, said: "Just the track in general.

"I've always loved this track, and I've been pretty fast here, so every time I come here I just enjoy driving."

When to watch F1 Academy on Sky Sports F1 this weekend

Friday July 3
7.40am: F1 Academy Practice
5.55pm: F1 Academy Qualifying

Saturday July 4
6pm: F1 Academy Race 1

Sunday July 5
9.55am: F1 Academy Race 2*

*also on Sky Sports Main Event

Formula 1 is in Silverstone for a Sprint weekend at the British Grand Prix - live on Sky Sports F1 and Sky One with coverage from Thursday to Sunday's race at 3pm. Stream Sky Sports with NOW - no contract, cancel anytime