What happened: Max Verstappen presented 2026 F1 Academy champion Alisha Palmowski with her first official Red Bull athlete cap on Friday. The milestone formalizes her arrival into the organization's driver development ranks following her championship campaign.

Why it matters: The welcome comes directly after Alisha Palmowski joined the Red Bull Junior Team for a 2027 FREC seat, solidifying her single-seater progression. Palmowski clinched the 2026 F1 Academy crown in Austin, earning fully funded backing to advance up the junior ladder.

What to watch: Palmowski will prepare for her transition to the Formula Regional European Championship grid ahead of the 2027 campaign.