Alisha Palmowski Unveils Historic Custom Livery in F1 Academy Debut at Canadian Grand Prix

This weekend at the Canadian Grand Prix, 18-year-old F1 Academy driver Alisha Palmowski is not only competing for podiums—she's rewriting history. As part of the Red Bull Racing Pepe Jeans Academy Programme, Palmowski will pilot a car adorned with the F1 Academy's first-ever bespoke race weekend livery—a dynamic, art-driven design that fuses motorsport and culture.

The custom livery, created by acclaimed Canadian muralist Kirstin McCrea, represents a major step in celebrating female excellence across racing, design, and technology—and serves as a bold visual symbol of the F1 Academy's growing influence.

A Livery Steeped in Canadian Culture

McCrea's artwork transforms Palmowski's Formula 4 car into a rolling tribute to Canadian identity and heritage:

National Colors: A vibrant red dominates the design to represent Canada, paired with a deep blue in homage to Quebec.

Expo 67 Inspiration: Yellow dandelion seeds across the light blue sidepods echo the iconic logo from Expo 67—the world's fair that laid the groundwork for Montreal's Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.

Symbolic Flourishes: Floating seeds around the cockpit symbolize momentum and ambition, while ripples of red behind the driver suggest forward motion and inspiration in her wake.

"It's a really bold design—bright, vibrant colors, which I love," said Palmowski. "I'm really privileged to represent something that celebrates both sport and culture. Hopefully, it makes me a bit faster too!"

From Spectator to Role Model

Palmowski's rise through the ranks tells a broader story of increasing opportunity in motorsport. A lifelong racing fan, she often watched British Grands Prix from the stands but rarely saw women behind the wheel.

"I never thought it was something I could actually do," she said. "The lack of female representation made it hard to imagine myself as part of the sport."

F1 Academy, led by managing director Susie Wolff, is reshaping that reality. Palmowski credits the initiative with not only changing perceptions, but actively inspiring a new generation.

"The messages I get from young girls telling me I've inspired them—it's incredible," she shared. "They're realizing that this world is open to them."

Backed by Red Bull, Racing for the Top

As a Red Bull Racing Academy driver, Palmowski benefits from world-class support, including training at the Milton Keynes Technology Campus, physical and nutritional coaching, and access to elite F1 simulators.

"The support network is huge. I've developed so much—not just as a driver, but as a person," she reflected.

Currently fourth in the F1 Academy standings, just 20 points behind leader Maya Weug, Palmowski enters Montreal with a key opportunity. The Canadian round features three races, including a rescheduled event from Miami, and marks the first time any F1 Academy driver will compete at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.

Starting from the front row in Race 1, Palmowski is eyeing a significant leap in the championship.

"We're all starting on a level playing field—none of us have raced here before," she noted. "That brings a new dynamic. I see it as a real opportunity."

Driving Change, On and Off the Track

Alisha Palmowski's bespoke livery is more than just a design—it's a statement. It reflects the growing intersection of art, identity, and athleticism in modern motorsport. And with every lap she completes in Montreal, she's not just chasing points—she's pushing boundaries.

As the F1 Academy continues its mission to empower the next generation of female racers, Palmowski's journey stands as a compelling reminder of what's possible when talent meets opportunity.