Pirelli sets 25-lap tire limit for Qatar GP

Pirelli sets 25-lap tire limit for Qatar GP

Pirelli has set a 25-lap limit per tire at the Qatar Grand Prix, meaning drivers must stop at least twice. They made this rule because the Lusail track has caused heavy tire wear in past races, including failures in 2021 and an 18-lap limit in 2023. Pirelli says the limit will prevent teams from using tires beyond their intended lifespan and help avoid damage. F1 will also use this race to see if a forced multi-stop rule could work in the future.

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

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Williams plans major grandstand takeover for Miami 2026

Williams will have its own grandstand at the 2026 Miami Grand Prix, and fans can buy tickets that come with a special Williams cap, a team flag, and a chance to meet Alex Albon or Carlos Sainz. The team says this will give fans even closer access and follows the fan events they have done in other cities. Miami GP organizers say the Williams grandstand will bring a lot of energy and connect fans from around the world. The 2026 race is from May 1–3, and Williams is currently fifth in the standings with 111 points.

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

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McLaren extends F1 Academy deal with Lloyd

Ella Lloyd will remain with Rodin Motorsport and McLaren for a second F1 Academy season after a rookie year in which she earned five podiums and her first win in Jeddah. She is currently third in the 2025 championship and aims to carry her momentum into 2026. Her strong results in both F1 Academy and British F4 helped her secure a spot in the McLaren Driver Development Programme. McLaren also confirmed that Ella Stevens and Ella Häkkinen will join the program alongside her next year.

Click here to read the full article at racers-behindthehelmet.com

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F1 teams expands into Fortnite 

Formula 1 has a collaboration with Fortnite to feature all 10 F1 teams in the game. Players can buy digital outfits and accessories for each team, such as special gliders, pickaxes, emotes, and F1-themed back items. F1 hopes this will let fans enjoy the sport in a fun, interactive way and reach people who might not normally watch. This is the first time the full championship appears in Fortnite, rather than just one driver like Lewis Hamilton in the past.

Click here to read the full article by Ben Waterworth (speedcafe.com)

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Grenier tops final Daytona test

Mikael Grenier was the fastest in the last IMSA test at Daytona in the No. 75 Mercedes. He beat Thomas Preining’s Porsche by half a second, and his lap was the third-best GT time of the whole test. Jan Heylen was third and the quickest GTD driver, even though his car caused a red flag after a puncture. Fourteen of the seventeen GT cars took part in the final IMSA track session of the year.

Click here to read the full article by John Dagys (sportscar365.com)