Brit Watch: Young hopefuls shine in F1 support series season openers
31 March 2025As the new racing season picks up steam, Britain's brightest young talents are making their mark in the Formula 1 support categories.
Competing in Formula 2, Formula 3 and the all-female F1 Academy, these drivers are showcasing their potential on the global stage.
With a mix of impressive comebacks, determined battles, well-deserved podiums and even race victory, the opening rounds have set the tone for what promises to be an exciting year ahead for the young hopefuls.
Here's how the British contingent fared in their respective championships.
Formula 2
Luke Browning
Hitech’s Luke Browning made a solid start to his rookie Formula 2 campaign in Melbourne. He secured eighth in qualifying, just behind team-mate Dino Beganovic.
In the Sprint Race, he put in a composed and tenacious drive, applying relentless pressure on Leonardo Fornaroli throughout the 23-lap contest.
Ultimately, the young Brit was unable to find a way past, settling for a strong third-place finish to kick off his first full campaign with a well-earned podium.
Browning was denied the opportunity to add to his tally as the Feature Race was cancelled due to inclement weather.
Arvid Linblad
Red Bull junior Arvid Lindblad endured a challenging start to his Formula 2 career, languishing down in 14th in Qualifying.
The resilient youngster didn’t give in, though, fighting his way up the order in the Sprint Race, managing to break into and battle on the fringes of the top ten.
Eventually, he finished a well-earned 10th, a commendable four positions higher than where he started.
While there was room for improvement in Melbourne, Lindblad displayed his ability to carve through the field, which bodes well for his time in Formula 2.
Formula 3
Callum Voisin
It was a mixed weekend for Callum Voisin, who struggled in qualifying and could only manage 18th on the grid.
However, the Brit bounced back in the Sprint Race with an impressive recovery drive, charging through the field to finish ninth.
Unfortunately, his Feature Race was short-lived as he got caught up in a first-lap incident at Turn 10 with Nikola Tsolov, forcing him into retirement.
Despite the setback, Voisin's race craft in the Sprint showcased his potential for stronger results as the season progresses.
F1 Academy
Alisha Palmowski
Alisha Palmowski showed she is one to watch in the F1 Academy this season at the opening round in Shanghai.
The British driver held provisional pole in qualifying before slipping to fifth as the end of the session.
Getting the better of reverse-grid polesitter Nina Gademan and Emma Felbermayr, Palmowski climbed to the top of the field before having to fend off a late charge from Chloe Chambers.
As the chequered flag waved, Palmowski held the top spot to take the opening victory of the season.
In the Feature Race, it was Felbermayr who got the better of the Brit, relegating her to sixth on Lap 9. She stayed in that position until the chequered flag capping off a strong first event of 2025.
Ella Lloyd
It was a weekend of consistent race results for Ella Lloyd. After a difficult Qualifying session left her starting 11th for both races, the Brit put in two strong comeback drives.
She climbed to sixth in the Sprint Race and secured seventh in the Feature, showing impressive race craft in an ultra-competitive field.
Her steady results place her seventh in the championship standings leaving Shanghai, a solid foundation to build on for the upcoming events.
Looking ahead
The opening rounds of the 2025 season have provided a glimpse of what Britain’s young racing prospects are capable of.
With promising performances across all three categories, the likes of Browning, Lindblad, Voisin, Palmowski, Lloyd and the rest of the British prodigies will be looking to build on their early results as the season unfolds.
