A former pupil and F1 Academy race winner returned to St Philip Howard Catholic Voluntary Academy to inspire students.
Alisha Palmowski, who now races for Campos Racing as part of the Red Bull Academy Programme, spoke to students about her journey from school to the F1 Academy grid.
F1 Academy is an all-female single seater series that runs alongside Formula 1 race weekends.
Alisha, 20, is one of the most talked-about young drivers in the sport. She has won races this season at Montreal, Silverstone and Zandvoort.
After starting out in karting, Alisha moved into cars and was named a BRDC Rising Star in 2024. That same year she finished as vice-champion in the GB4 Championship in her first season of single-seater racing, with three wins, two pole positions and 11 podiums. She won the opening race of her F1 Academy debut season in Shanghai in 2025 and finished fifth overall.
During her visit, Alisha spoke to students about the challenges, setbacks and hard work behind her success, and answered their questions about life as a professional racing driver.
She said: “‘It was very special to return to St Philip Howard and share my journey with the students. I’ve learnt many life lessons across the last few years so I hope by sharing these I may have inspired a few of them to work hard and chase their dreams. The sky really is the limit!’
Mike Kays, Headteacher at St Philip Howard, in Glossop, said: “Her journey is a fantastic example of what can be achieved through passion, determination, resilience and hard work. Alisha’s success shows our students that the dreams they have today really can become their future, whatever their ambitions may be.
“It was wonderful to see her return to school and to hear her speak to our students about her experiences, challenges and achievements.”
Alisha is due to race in Austin, Texas, with F1 Academy towards the end of the month, where she could clinch the championship title.
Alisha is pictured with Headteacher Mike Kays and delivering her inspiring talk to students.
