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How 2026 engine rules will keep the field together

Fast Five: Today’s Top Racing News

There are concerns that the 2026 Formula 1 engine rules could create big gaps between teams, but the FIA has added measures to help teams catch up.

Keep reading for this and other top headlines you don't want to miss.

Today's Headlines
  • How 2026 engine rules will keep the field together
  • Judge blocks charter request from 23XI and Front Row
  • Toronto set for key IndyCar showdown
  • NASCAR could drop races for new tracks
  • Wickens delivers special fan weekend at home track
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How 2026 engine rules will keep the field together

There’s a lot of uncertainty about how competitive the field will be in 2026 when Formula 1 introduces new hybrid engines, with fears that some manufacturers could fall far behind if they get their engine designs wrong. To prevent this, the FIA has added rules that allow struggling manufacturers extra development if their engine is more than 3% weaker than the best one after the fifth race. However, the FIA insists this is not a move toward a Balance of Performance system, which it firmly rejects as artificial and not suitable for F1. Instead, these rules are meant to correct long-term disadvantages and ensure fairness without giving anyone an unfair boost.

Click here to read the full article by Jon Noble (the-race.com)

Judge blocks charter request from 23XI and Front Row

A judge has ruled that Front Row Motorsports and 23XI Racing will not get emergency approval to race as chartered teams while their lawsuit against NASCAR continues. The judge said the teams can still race as open teams, and there’s no clear proof they’ll be harmed immediately. NASCAR also promised not to sell the teams’ charters until the court hears more on the case. The teams say NASCAR has too much control over the sport, and the fight over that will continue in court soon.

Click here to read the full article by Sydney Haulenbeek (courthousenews.com)

Toronto set for key IndyCar showdown

The Ontario Honda Dealers Indy Toronto is the 13th race of the 2025 IndyCar season. Alex Palou won seven of the first 12 races, including the Indy 500 and last week’s race in Iowa. The Toronto race has a long history, and Scott Dixon has won there four times, more than any other active driver. He will also try to make his 352nd start in a row, the longest streak in IndyCar history.

Click here to read the full article at speedsport.com

NASCAR could drop races for new tracks

NASCAR is expected to make several schedule changes for 2026, including a new San Diego street race, removing Mexico City after one year, and possibly bringing back Chicagoland Speedway. The league is also considering alternating certain tracks, like Road America and Mexico City, and may reintroduce Kentucky Speedway due to growing fan interest in 1.5-mile ovals. International expansion is part of NASCAR’s long-term vision, with potential races in Canada, Australia, Japan, and beyond. Since the calendar is capped at 36 races, adding new tracks would likely force current ones like Phoenix or Iowa to lose a race or switch to a rotating schedule.

Click here to read the full article by Jerry Bonkowski (thesportsrush.com)

Wickens delivers special fan weekend at home track

Robert Wickens, who was paralyzed in a 2018 IndyCar crash, continues to race using hand controls and competed this year in the IMSA WeatherTech Championship with DXDT Racing. For his home race at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, he created a special $120 fan package that included race access, merchandise, and a meet-and-greet at the same turn where he once watched races as a kid. Wickens and co-driver Alec Udell finished fourth in the GTD class, narrowly missing the podium but delivering a strong performance. Wickens said meeting the fans was the best part of the weekend, and he plans to do something similar at Road America in August.

Click here to read the full article by John Oreovicz (imsa.com)

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