Feeder Series Weekly Recap: Wild cards and more

Written by Ellie Nicholls and Sophie Harvey

Welcome to Feeder Series Recap, your weekly series bringing you the best of driver announcements from the world of Formula 2, Formula 3, as well as F1 Academy. With the wild card being announced for the upcoming F1 Academy weekend in Qatar, and a famous surname signing on in F2, Ellie and Sophie guide you through the news you need to know....

With times in the top-three during testing, Palmowski is set to impress | Credit - Envision Racing

Alisha Palmowski to join the F1 Academy grid in Qatar

GB4 Vice-Champion Alisha Palmowski will partner PREMA Racing in Qatar, as F1 Academy’s latest wildcard driver. 

Having made her single-seater debut earlier this year, the 18-year-old Brit has just concluded a season to remember — taking three wins, two pole positions and a total of eleven podiums in GB4. Previously, the Glossop teenager has experienced great karting success in the BirelArt Series and the Daniel Ricciardo Series UK, alongside a glorious stint in Ginetta Junior.

Palmowski also took part in the groundbreaking all-female Formula E test, where she joined forces with Alice Powell under Envision Racing’s banner.

In reaction to the announcement, Palmowski said: “I’m very excited to be the Wild Card Entry in Qatar, it’s an incredible opportunity and one I never could have dreamt of 12 months ago. This will be my first race outside of the UK, and for it be on the F1 ACADEMY grid as a support series to Formula 1 is a dream come true.”

“I’d like to say a huge thank you to the team at F1 ACADEMY,” she emphasised, “and of course Susie Wolff, for giving me this opportunity to learn and hopefully secure a seat on the grid for next year.”

Palmowski will sport the exclusive F1 Academy ‘Discover Your Drive’ livery, as she follows in the footsteps of previous wildcard drivers — Reema Juffali, Courtney Crone, Nina Gademan and Ella Lloyd. With such an illustrious career so far, you will want to keep an eye on her performance in Qatar.

Christian Mansell steps up to Formula 2 full-time with Rodin Motorsport in 2025

Christian Mansell graduates to Formula Two full-time after impressing in 2024.  | Credit: Christian Mansell via X

Rodin Motorsport have announced their first driver of the 2025 Formula Two season, with 19-year-old Christian Mansell set to join the team for his first full season in the series next year.

2024 has undoubtedly been a stellar year for Mansell so far: Remaining in contention for the Formula 3 title going into the final round of the 2024 season, and ultimately finishing fifth overall in a competitive field, with five podiums under his belt. 

Then, stepping up to Formula 2, Mansell made a mid-season debut in Baku, replacing the outgoing Roman Stanek at Trident for the remainder of 2024.

In just one race weekend, Mansell was able to adapt quickly to the series and score points in both races — a feat that was particularly impressive considering the demanding nature of the Baku Street Circuit.

Next year, Mansell will return to Formula Two for his first full season, and emphasised that he is excited to be rejoining Rodin having partnered with the team in British F4 and GB3 earlier in his career. 

“The team has always been supportive, and I am excited to build on our past successes together,” said Mansell, “I look forward to the challenges ahead and am ready to give my best on the track!”