In this episode of Track Limits, we sit down with Alisha Palmowski, Red Bull’s F1 Academy driver, as she prepares for her first-ever race weekend in Canada. From a bold new Montreal livery to her love of 70s disco, Alisha opens up about racing, identity, pressure, and the unexpected moments that have shaped her journey so far.

She talks about growing up in a normal family far from the typical motorsport mold, winning the Ginetta Junior scholarship that changed her life, sim racing since she was eight, learning the unique challenges of F1 Academy machinery, and the surreal experience of training inside the Red Bull facility in Milton Keynes.

Alisha also shares her view on legacy, misconceptions about motorsport, what she wants future drivers to know, and how she plans to take on Montreal for the very first time.

This episode is honest, funny, and full of the passion that defines racing’s next generation.

⏱️ Episode Chapters

00:00 – Introduction

00:20 – First time in Canada and Toronto impressions

01:05 – Talking weather, rain in Montreal and first impressions

01:35 – Her special Red Bull x One Password Montreal livery

02:40 – How the livery collaboration came together

03:20 – What makes her “faster” in life outside racing

04:00 – Her love for music and 70s–90s disco

04:45 – Sim racing, F1 game obsession and Montreal practice

06:20 – What she’d be doing if she weren’t racing

07:25 – The moment she realized she belonged in motorsport

08:40 – Imposter syndrome and feeling “born” to race

09:20 – Drivers who inspire her, including Max Verstappen

11:00 – What legacy she wants to leave for future racers

12:20 – Big misconceptions about motorsport

13:25 – Her dream race weekend: track, car and teammate

14:35 – Bananas, superstitions and beating Max

15:20 – What she’s working on as a developing driver

16:20 – Driving style differences and car setup challenges

18:10 – What Red Bull support means to her

19:45 – Looking ahead ten years into her future

21:45 – Rapid fire: poutine, cold winters, accents and more

23:30 – Final send-off and Montreal race excitement

🔥 Must-Watch Moments

-“I’m hoping the livery makes me a bit faster.”

-“I feel like motorsport is in my blood.”

-“I’d love to inspire people to know anyone can succeed in this sport.”

-“Motorsport is one of the biggest team sports in the world.”

-“If I race Max at Silverstone… I’m beating him.”

-“I eat a banana before every session, even though I hate them.”

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