How 2026 energy limits could stir the grid

How 2026 energy limits could stir the grid

F1’s 2026 engines will balance combustion and electric power, with variable energy harvesting limits that change depending on the track. These caps, from 5MJ to 8.5MJ per lap, will affect how teams harvest and deploy energy, creating early-season performance differences. The FIA will make the limits clear for fans, so it’s easy to follow, and there’s a new push-to-pass system for extra electric power in certain zones. Early races may see the order shuffle as teams learn the best way to manage energy, making strategy and software as important as engine power.

Click here to read the full article by Alex Albuquerque (fastestlap.com)

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Should Bristol get a new layout?

Goodyear’s tires wore out fast at the Bristol Night Race on Sept. 13, making the race slow with 137 laps under yellow. Drivers couldn’t push their cars, and it raised questions about what fans really want to see at Bristol. The Next Gen car makes old moves like the bump-and-run almost useless, and changes to the track in 2007 have made the racing less exciting. Right now, tire wear is the only way to make the race interesting, but Bristol won’t reach its full potential until the car or track is fixed.

Click here to read the full article by Stephen Stumpf & Luken Glover (frontstretch.com)

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IndyCar reveals 2026 17-race calendar

The 2026 NTT IndyCar Series will run 17 races from March 1 to September 6, including new events and a season finale back at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. The season starts strong with four races in five weeks at St. Petersburg, Phoenix, Arlington, and Barber Motorsports Park. Key highlights include the Month of May with the Indianapolis 500, Long Beach, and summer races at Detroit, Road America, Mid-Ohio, and Nashville. The schedule mixes ovals, road courses, and street circuits, testing drivers and teams, with all races on FOX and covered by IndyCar Radio and the official app.

Click here to read the full article by Ashley Fowler (wishtv.com)

IMSA VP Racing adds endurance races in 2026

The 2026 IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge will have 10 weekends instead of six, adding four longer two-hour races for LMP3 cars along with the usual sprint races. LMP3 cars will race on nine weekends with a new car type, while GTDX and GSX will race only on six sprint weekends, including a special event at VIR. Both sprint and endurance race results will count toward the LMP3 championship, and the endurance races will also have their own separate title. The season starts at Daytona in January and goes to tracks like COTA, Sebring, VIR, Canadian Tire, Road America, and ends at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta in October.

Click here to read the full article at speedsport.com

Flying catamarans take over Sydney harbour

The KPMG Sydney Sail Grand Prix is coming back on February 28 and March 1, 2026, making Sydney Harbour a race stadium for the seventh time. Teams from 12 nations will race F50 catamarans that fly above the water and reach speeds of more than 100 km/h. The event will also feel like a festival, with music, bars, food, lounges, and fan zones to enjoy. For the first time, there will be twilight races, giving fans the chance to see the action as the sun sets over the Harbour Bridge.

Click here to read the full article by Rebecca Bau (secretsydney.com)