In motorsports, speed often takes the spotlight. Lap after lap, run after run, the clock counts down to trophy celebrations and podium finishes. But like any sport, behind-the-scenes progress is just as important. So why do we overlook what happens behind-the scenes?

Although their official season doesn’t resume until August, F1 Academy racers are using July to strengthen their skills both technically and mentally. On July 21st and 23rd, drivers showed precision and focus in high-pressure testing conditions in Zandvoort—stringing together consistent laps, gathering valuable data, and building confidence for the second half of the season.

F1 Academy—an all-female racing developmental series launched by Formula 1 in 2023—integrated structured in-season testing early on. With the rise of talent in women’s motorsports, this step was crucial to give drivers more track time and developmental opportunities as they prepare for higher levels of the sport. “That testing allows all of them to gain the same experience,” said F1 Academy Competition Manager Delphine Biscaye. “You can expect better overtaking, better racing, and better race weekends.” Day One: Palmowski’s Turning Point

It was a brisk, quiet start. Most of the competitors settled into a rhythm early on. But after back-and-forth traffic throughout the session, one driver came out on top: Alisha Palmowski. Despite struggles with balance and snap oversteer in the beginning, the Briton made a comeback around Turn 9, finishing the fastest with a time of 1:38.074, edging out Dutch driver Maya Weug by only 0.087 seconds. 

“We had a difficult day this morning,” Palmowski reflected in an interview with F1 Academy, “but as soon as we bolted the new tyres on, it was just perfect. I gained loads of confidence in the car... It’s the adaptability that I’m still working on.”  

Beyond technical skill, F1 Academy’s in-season testing also gives women drivers a chance to build mental resilience. Zandvoort is especially difficult—despite being the shortest circuit on the 2025 calendar, its narrow layout and sharp corners demand precision, confidence, and control. “The precision has got to be perfect,” Palmowski said, emphasizing the need to stay calm and be  flexible under evolving racing conditions. 

Day 2: Weug Delivers Redemption

On July 23rd, the second and final day of testing began with a tight battle for the top spot between drivers Ella Lloyd, Alba Larsen, Aurelia Nobels, Chloe Chong, and Charlotte Tilbury. Each delivered fast, consistent laps, but Maya Weug made a huge comeback after narrowly missing the fastest time on Day 1. Her blistering final lap of 1:36.789—over six‑tenths faster than anyone else by the end of the first hour—earned her the top time in the morning session. 

The afternoon, however, brought new challenges. Multiple red flags interrupted the rhythm, including incidents at Turns 3, 8, 9 and 13. Even so, Weug stayed mentally composed and consistent, clocking a final lap of 1:37.389—just 0.093s ahead of the next driver. It was also the fastest overall time of the entire in-season test. Her performance showed the importance of mental resilience and adaptability in the face of pressure and unpredictability.

Although in-season testing has wrapped up, this week was packed with valuable lessons in adaptability and mental preparation for the drivers as they gear up for future races. Watch out for F1 Academy getting back on track on August 29-31 at Zandvoort for Round 5 of the 2025 season.