Payton Westcott Proves Pace and Progression in Monza at Italian F4 Championship with Race GP

Payton Westcott continued her 2026 Italian F4 Championship campaign at the legendary Autodromo Nazionale Monza from June 19–21, competing with R-ace GP in one of the season's most competitive rounds. The historic circuit, renowned for its long straights, heavy braking zones, and intense slipstream battles, provided another valuable learning opportunity for the young American as she continued her development in Europe's premier Formula 4 championship.

Westcott showed encouraging pace from the outset of the weekend. After finishing P15 in Free Practice 1, she made a significant step forward in Free Practice 2, ending the session in an impressive P5 overall. The result demonstrated both her growing confidence around the high-speed Italian circuit and the strong potential shown throughout the weekend.

Qualifying proved more challenging, with Westcott securing P18 in a highly competitive field where margins were exceptionally tight. Nevertheless, she remained focused on maximizing every race opportunity and continuing to build experience against some of the strongest young talents in single-seater racing.

Race 1 saw Westcott face a difficult outing, ultimately finishing P26 after battling through a competitive midfield pack. Despite the setback, she continued to push forward and found improved rhythm as the weekend progressed.

Her strongest overall result came in Race 3, where she delivered a composed drive to finish P15 while also securing third place in the Women's Trophy classification. The performance highlighted her growing consistency and ability to capitalize on opportunities in a fiercely contested field.

Westcott concluded the weekend with another determined drive in the final race. Although classified P26 overall, she claimed second place in the Women's Trophy, securing her second podium in the category during the Monza round. The result rewarded her perseverance through a challenging weekend and added valuable points to her championship campaign.

The double Women's Trophy podium finish represented a positive outcome from a demanding event, particularly given the competitiveness of the Italian F4 grid. Combined with the pace displayed throughout practice, including her standout fifth-place finish in Free Practice 2, the weekend provided several encouraging signs as Westcott continues her progression in Formula 4 machinery.

As she balances her dual programme across Italian F4 and F1 Academy, Westcott leaves Monza with valuable race mileage, two Women's Trophy podiums, and further experience at one of motorsport's most iconic venues. The lessons learned throughout the weekend will provide another important foundation as she prepares for the next stage of her 2026 season.