F1 plans fix for 2026 plank-wear problem

F1 plans fix for 2026 plank-wear problem

F1 cars in 2026 will have full active aerodynamics, and drivers can switch between high-downforce corner mode and low-downforce straight mode. In wet races, straight mode could push the car into the ground and wear the plank, which may lead to damage and safety risk. To prevent this, the FIA will make activation zones shorter or remove them in unsafe conditions and may allow only the front wing to change in the wet. Past cases with McLaren, Ferrari, and Sauber show plank wear is a serious problem, so these rules are needed.

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

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Red Bull returns to NASCAR with Trackhouse

Connor Zilisch will drive the No. 88 car and Shane van Gisbergen will drive the No. 97 car for Trackhouse Racing in 2026. Red Bull will sponsor both cars for 25 races, their biggest return to NASCAR since 2011. Both cars will show new Red Bull paint schemes, Zilisch in matte blue and van Gisbergen in red and New Zealand details. The partnership gives Trackhouse a young star, an experienced winner, and a major global sponsor for 2026.

Click here to read the full article by Dogli Wilberforce (heavy.com)

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Harry Melges IV joins U.S. SailGP team

The U.S. SailGP Team added World Champion Harry Melges IV ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Final to boost the squad. Melges is now with the team in Abu Dhabi and will start the hours he must complete for his F50 license. He has major results such as the 2025 TP52 World Championship title and the 2021 US Rolex Yachtsman of the Year award. Team CEO Mike Buckley said the move shows a clear push for long-term success and more depth in key roles.

Click here to read the full article at www.sail-world.com

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Haas warns two-stop rule will ruin Qatar GP

Haas boss Ayao Komatsu says Pirelli’s two-stop rule will ruin the Qatar Grand Prix. The rule makes drivers change tires every 25 laps because they wear out quickly. Komatsu says this happened in Monaco and the 2023 Qatar race, and it led to fewer overtakes. He thinks races are better when drivers can choose one or two stops, which makes the race more fun and competitive.

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

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Porsche Penske reveals 2026 IMSA lineup

Porsche Penske Motorsport announced six drivers for the 2026 IMSA SportsCar Championship. Laurens Vanthoor and Kevin Estre will share the #6 Porsche 963 LMDh all season, and Matt Campbell will join them for five big races. Felipe Nasr will drive the #7 Porsche with new teammate Julien Andlauer, and Laurin Heinrich will join as the third driver. Porsche has a smaller driver roster after leaving Hypercar, and Michael Christensen, Nick Tandy, and Mathieu Jaminet will not race in 2026.

Click here to read the full article by Rachit Thukral & Francesco Corghi (www.motorsport.com)