Payton Westcott Builds Momentum Through Challenging Silverstone Weekend

Payton Westcott returned to the Formula 1 support package for Round 4 of the 2026 F1 Academy Championship at the historic Silverstone Circuit from July 3–5. Representing PREMA Racing under the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team banner, the 17-year-old American continued her rookie campaign on one of motorsport's most celebrated circuits, gaining valuable experience in another fiercely competitive weekend.

Fresh off podium finishes in the opening rounds of the season, Westcott arrived at Silverstone looking to continue her strong start to the championship. The fast and flowing 5.891-kilometre circuit, renowned for legendary corners such as Maggotts, Becketts and Copse, presented a fresh challenge as the championship reached its halfway point.

Westcott made a positive start to the weekend, finishing P8 in Free Practice as she quickly adapted to the demanding characteristics of the British Grand Prix venue. The encouraging result provided a solid foundation heading into qualifying, where she secured P10 in a tightly contested session that once again highlighted the competitiveness of the F1 Academy grid.

Starting from the fifth row for both races, Westcott faced a difficult Reverse Grid Race. Despite battling hard throughout the field, she ultimately crossed the line in P14, gaining valuable experience in close wheel-to-wheel racing around Silverstone's high-speed layout.

The Feature Race offered another opportunity to move forward, with Westcott delivering a composed and consistent drive. She fought her way through the midfield to finish P11, narrowly missing out on the championship points but demonstrating encouraging race pace and determination throughout the contest.

While the weekend did not produce the podium finishes that had characterized the opening rounds of her rookie campaign, Silverstone represented another important step in Westcott's development. The event allowed her to further strengthen her understanding of tyre management, race strategy, and the demands of competing on one of the most technically challenging circuits on the Formula 1 calendar.

Supported by Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team and working alongside PREMA Racing, Westcott continues to build experience at the highest level of junior single-seater competition. As the championship heads into the second half of the season, the lessons learned at Silverstone will provide another valuable foundation as she looks to return to the points and continue her progression in F1 Academy.