Payton Westcott: Top 3 in F1 Academy Shanghai Practice – Qualifying Outlook
Shanghai, – Payton Westcott is approaching her first full-time season in F1 Academy with a measured perspective, despite a promising start to the weekend at the Shanghai International Circuit. The Mercedes-backed driver finished third in the opening practice session, clocking a time of 2:05.041, placing her as the fastest rookie on the timesheets, behind Alisha Palmowski and Ferrari’s Alba Larsen.
The 16-year-old American, who participated as a Wild Card driver in last season’s finale in Las Vegas, is keen to avoid the pitfalls of overconfidence. “For me, based on this Practice session, I want to make sure that I don’t set my expectations too high, and keep them back where I originally imagined at the beginning of the weekend,” Westcott stated. “I don’t want to let this get ahead of me and then worry about where I am. I’m really keeping my expectations level and my head straight.”
Westcott’s performance in practice signals a strong potential for the season, but she acknowledges the unique challenges presented by the Shanghai track and the evolving conditions. She noted the differing run plans employed by the top three drivers, with Palmowski taking a distinctly different approach. “I definitely showed some pace. I think Alba and I were on similar run plans and Alisha did something completely different, so that gave her a good advantage. Looking good going into Qualifying so obviously this gave us some confidence.”
The Shanghai circuit presents a technical challenge even under ideal circumstances, but the early minutes of practice were complicated by dusty conditions. Adding to the complexity, Formula 1 cars are scheduled for an hour of track time between the F1 Academy practice and qualifying sessions, significantly altering the grip levels. Westcott and her PREMA Racing team will demand to carefully analyze data and adapt their car setup accordingly.
“It’ll definitely be interesting to observe because in Vegas, it was really difficult to tell with the fact it was a street circuit, and also how cold it was, and the rain,” Westcott explained. “I think that those factors kind of threw it off a bit in Vegas because when they did open up the Strip, it allowed other cars on track and they dropped oil or whatever. It’ll be interesting for me to observe going into this for the first time with these circumstances.”
Westcott anticipates that the changes in track conditions will require a flexible approach. “We’ll be looking at the data, making some changes with the car, different improvements. Obviously with the F1 cars now going out, it’ll be a completely different track going into Qualifying so adapting to that will definitely give me an advantage. Hopefully we do well!”
The 2026 season marks a significant step in Westcott’s racing career, representing a full commitment to the F1 Academy series after her initial taste of competition in Las Vegas. She enters the season with the backing of Mercedes, a team steeped in racing history and known for its analytical approach, a quality Westcott admires. A recent letter penned by Westcott to her younger self, published by Mercedes AMG F1, reveals a deep appreciation for the legacy of Mercedes driver Niki Lauda and his emphasis on resilience – a trait she recognizes as crucial for navigating the challenges ahead.
The F1 Academy season opener in Shanghai is attracting considerable attention, with the series aiming to build on the momentum of its previous seasons. The departure of the 2025 champions has created an opening at the front of the field, with drivers like Ella Lloyd and Alisha Palmowski identified as early contenders. Westcott, as a newcomer to the full-time grid, is positioned to potentially disrupt the established order. The series is also notable for its focus on developing female talent within motorsport, providing a pathway towards potential opportunities in Formula 1.
Westcott’s arrival in F1 Academy follows a period of observation, having watched several races in 2025 before her Wild Card appearance in Las Vegas. Now, she finds herself competing directly against drivers she previously observed, with a clear ambition to win and earn her success. The season promises to be a test of her skill, adaptability, and mental fortitude as she navigates the competitive landscape of the F1 Academy series.
The opening round in Shanghai is expected to provide a crucial benchmark for the field, with limited pre-season testing leaving many questions unanswered. The track evolution and the impact of the Formula 1 sessions will add further layers of complexity, demanding quick thinking and precise adjustments from both drivers and teams. Westcott’s ability to adapt to these changing conditions will be a key factor in her performance throughout the weekend and beyond.