Ben Sulayem heads into FIA election totally unopposed

Ben Sulayem heads into FIA election totally unopposed

Mohammed Ben Sulayem is set to run unopposed in next month’s FIA presidential election because no other candidate secured the support needed to get on the ballot. Tim Mayer, Laura Villars, and Virginie Philippot all tried to challenge him, but they couldn’t gather the required “presidential list” and regional backing. Villars is still waiting for a court verdict on December 3, which could decide if the election is postponed. As things stand, the vote is scheduled for December 12 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Click here to read the full article by Jack Oliver Smith (motorsportweek.com)

‍

NASCAR sets new 2026 power and safety rules

NASCAR will raise horsepower to 750 for all tracks 1.5 miles or shorter in 2026, and five tracks will switch to the short-track aero package. NASCAR also said every Cup car must use an A-post flap at all tracks because it helped stop cars from lifting at Daytona and Talladega. The flap now must have bright orange material under it. NASCAR also set testing limits for new manufacturers, and RAM is the only new one coming in 2026.

Click here to read the full article by Joseph Srigley (si.com)

‍

Aiva Anagnostiadis to miss F1 Academy finale

Aiva Anagnostiadis will not race in the Las Vegas F1 Academy finale because she fractured her left foot and needed surgery. F1 Academy confirmed that Rachel Robertson will take her place for the last round of the season. Anagnostiadis had already missed the Singapore race and Bahrain testing, and she says she is focused on recovering fully before returning. Robertson, who started racing in 2022 and moved into Formula 4 in 2025, will now drive for TAG Heuer in her absence.

Click here to read the full article by Lydia Mee (motorsport.com)

‍

FIA cracks down on bare carbon for 2026

The FIA approved a rule that forces teams to paint or sticker at least 55% of their cars in 2026 to reduce the use of bare carbon fiber and make the cars look more different. The meeting also agreed to work on a rule that will allow drivers to change their permanent numbers during their careers. Updates to Aerodynamic Testing Restrictions are being developed to align with modern simulation technology, while discussions about mandating two pit stops and improving driver-cooling systems will continue into 2026. The summary did not mention McLaren’s request for clarity on engine-usage rules after Red Bull changed Verstappen’s engine in Brazil.

Click here to read the full article by Jack Benyon (the-race.com)

‍

Rossi still can’t get a Hypercar seat

Valentino Rossi says he still dreams of racing a Hypercar in the WEC but admits his chances remain slim even after his impressive Bahrain test. He spent the whole 2025 season trying to secure a Hypercar program for 2026, yet BMW couldn’t make it happen, and its younger drivers continue to limit opportunities. Rossi is open to single-race Hypercar outings or selected IMSA endurance events with WRT, though he says Daytona next year is already unrealistic. His BMW contract ends this year, and while a renewal is likely, he still doesn’t know which championship he will race in for 2026.

Click here to read the full article by Rachit Thukral (motorsport.com)