Alba Larsen In Shanghai Qualifying Sparks Momentum, Secures Best-Ever P2 and Front Row Start
alba larsen sealed her first front row start in Qualifying at the Shanghai International Circuit, recording the best one-lap performance of her F1 ACADEMY campaign while conceding there remains “a little bit more to find” after making an error on her quickest lap.
Pole Winner Extends Margin, Larsen Narrowly Short Of Top Spot
Alisha Palmowski claimed maiden pole with a session-leading time of 2: 04. 182, edging the Ferrari driver by roughly four tenths. Larsen held provisional pole for the first half of the busy session but was unable to improve on her fastest effort after that mistake on her final flier, ultimately settling for P2.
The P2 finish represents Larsen’s best single-lap result in the series so far and her first front row start, a milestone she described as a significant step in her partnership with her team. While pleased with the grid position, she emphasized that closing the gap remains a priority.
Alba Larsen Reflects on Progress and Race Ambitions
alba larsen called the qualifying outcome “a really good start” in the collaboration with Ferrari and highlighted how the front-row position should provide momentum for the races. She noted confidence in race pace and outlined ambitions to convert the strong starting position into a first podium and potentially a victory.
The 17-year-old pointed to prior positive results at the circuit, noting that a fourth-place finish in last season’s Race 2 there was her best effort at the venue to date. That experience has bolstered her belief she can improve on that result and challenge for silverware early in the campaign.
When asked what suits her about the Shanghai layout, she referenced a comment from another driver that the track is among the most challenging, while saying she nonetheless feels comfortable and is “very much looking forward to the races. “
Session Drama, Penalties and Grid Consequences
The qualifying session featured a short delay and an on-track interruption when Haas’ Kaylee Countryman slowed and briefly halted, forcing the field to complete another out lap with under 10 minutes remaining. That disruption added pressure as teams prepared fresh tyre runs in the closing stages.
Late in the session, a lap-time deletion affected the provisional standings: Payton Westcott saw a previously deleted best lap reinstated following Qualifying, altering her final placement. The finished order left Emma Felbermayr third and Rafaela Ferreira bumped down after a late improvement by others.
Because the top eight will be inverted for Race 1, Nina Gademan will start from reverse pole, reshaping the opening sprint and offering a different tactical landscape for drivers who qualified toward the front. The reverse-grid format means the front-row starters from Qualifying will face an altered challenge at the lights.
With the grid set and the field adjusting to changed grip levels following an earlier session, contenders will now turn focus to race setup and strategy, using the positive qualifying platform to pursue strong weekend results.
The situation is presented as confirmed from the session’s outcomes; finer strategic choices and in-race developments remain to be seen as the weekend progresses.
