Discretion and construction for Lisa Billard and Jade Jacquet in Shanghai

There was a distinct F4 France atmosphere in the air under the ART Grand Prix team's tent in the Shanghai paddock. The Essonne-based team is fielding two single-seaters. F1 Academy for two compatriots in 2026. While Lisa Billard had already experienced the euphoria of such exposure thanks to her Wild Card at the Singapore Grand Prix in 2025, for Jade Jacquet, it was a first in this environment during this trip to China. Encouraged by James Vowles before the first trials, the academy resident Williams applied during qualifying (13^eAs for Lisa Billard, she had recorded the sixth fastest time.

The two French drivers already seemed to be performing at the level of their expectations. For her, starting third on Saturday's grid according to the principle of reversing the starting line applied to the Top 8, such a position was a source of motivation. "The goal was fifth position, but sixth isn't so bad for a first attempt."she put things into perspective. "On Sunday, with the reversed grid, I'll be starting third. It looks like a great opportunity for a podium finish." On several occasions in 2025, the reigning French Women's F4 champion told us about the importance of working on the quality of her starts. Still struggling in Shanghai, the driver from Normandy was forced to fight her way back through the field in each heat.

Eighth in Race 1 and then seventh in Race 2, Lisa Billard put up a good fight and scored seven points. Jade Jacquet also ran well, finishing as high as 11th.^e She was in position on Sunday before making a braking error and colliding with Esmee Kosterman. The Williams-backed driver will receive a five-place grid penalty for the next race, in Montreal (May 22-24).

Felbermayr makes Audi shine

Further up the field, the battles produced clear results. Championship leader after the opening round, Emma Felbermayr secured podium finishes in both races, culminating in a victory on Sunday. This was a first for the Austrian, who had already won a race with a reverse grid in 2025. “Two races without incident, without the slightest risk: that’s exactly what I wanted for this weekend,” concluded the representative from the Audi academy. Honestly, I wasn't prepared for the whole season last year. I experienced some highs, but also some difficult moments. I think I'm one of the favorites now. The daughter of Horst Felbermayr Sr and Jr, former actors of theEndurance with Porsche In GT racing during the 2000s and 2010s, this was proven on Chinese soil. To compete, our two French drivers will have to be more aggressive in order to take advantage of the numerous opportunities offered by this category.