Drivers split over sprint races and reverse grids

Drivers split over sprint races and reverse grids

Sprint races remain one of the most divisive topics in Formula 1. Drivers are split between enjoying the added excitement and criticizing the overload of content. Max Verstappen leads the opposition, saying he gets no satisfaction from sprint wins, while others like Lance Stroll and rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli argue the format makes weekends more exciting. Esteban Ocon and Charles Leclerc warned that too many sprints could dilute the anticipation of race weekends, especially with an already packed 24-race calendar. While F1 boss Stefano Domenicali continues to push for changes, nearly all drivers and team bosses agree that reverse grids would be too artificial and go against the sport’s DNA.

Click here to read the full article by Ed Hardy & Oleg Karpov (motorsport.com)

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How NASCAR can win back fans

NASCAR is working to win back its old popularity, but Brad Keselowski thinks three key issues must be fixed first. He said tracks need to make money outside race weekends so they can invest in fans and stop relying only on TV deals. He also argued that the playoff format, where 10 races matter more than the 26 regular ones, hurts the sport and undervalues most events. Lastly, he pushed for new manufacturers to join NASCAR, saying their money and support would help the whole system grow.

Click here to read the full article by Gowtham Ramalingam (athlonsports.com)

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Malukas faces big test at Team Penske

David Malukas is moving to Team Penske even though he has never won an IndyCar race or finished in the top 10 in points. His career has been up and down, with some strong runs like podiums and an Indy 500 charge, but also injuries and mistakes. Penske’s history shows that nearly every driver they’ve hired has gone on to win championships or Indy 500s, which raises the stakes for Malukas. The big question now is whether he can rise to that level or become the rare Penske driver who falls short.

Click here to read the full article by Nathan Brown (indystar.com)

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Stevens tops times in rookie test debut

F1 ACADEMY completed its first Rookie Test at Circuito de Navarra with 18 young drivers taking part. Ella Stevens topped the timesheets with a 1:46.921 lap, just ahead of Lisa Billard and Payton Westcott. The drivers ran over 1,338 laps across two sessions and also joined F1 ACADEMY teams for hands-on learning and research-led assessments. Organizers praised the close competition and said the event proved the depth of female talent pushing for future seats.

Click here to read the full article at formula1.com

Adelaide plans NASCAR triple wildcard

Adelaide wants NASCAR drivers from Ford, GM, and Toyota to race at its Grand Final in the future. Ford’s Austin Cindric is already confirmed, while GM is trying to bring 19-year-old Connor Zilisch, but timing and car issues make it hard. Past efforts to get Kyle Busch and Kyle Larson failed, and Thanksgiving often clashes with the race. Still, organisers believe Cindric’s road racing skills will impress, and the event will also include a Red Bull Formula 1 demo.

Click here to read the full article by Stefan Bartholomaeus (speedcafe.com)