Sainz penalty triggers rules row

Sainz penalty triggers rules row

Williams submitted a review of Carlos Sainz’s 10-second penalty from the Dutch Grand Prix, arguing the current Formula 1 rules unfairly protected Liam Lawson in their crash. Sainz tried to pass Lawson around the outside, but the rules state a driver must be clearly ahead at the corner’s apex to be given space and since Sainz wasn’t, Lawson was allowed to move wide. Sainz and his teammate Albon felt the penalty was unfair and believed Lawson used the rules to block the move, while Lawson said he followed the rulebook. Several drivers, like Lance Stroll and Pierre Gasly, believe the rules have become too complicated and now lead to confusion and unfair outcomes during close on-track fights.

Click here to read the full article by Filip Cleeren (www.motorsport.com)

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Mike Harmon Racing withdraws from Gateway race

Mike Harmon Racing has tried to race many times in the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series but has only actually raced six times because they often did not qualify or pulled out. Dawson Cram drove five times but failed to qualify six times, and Carson Ware raced once and also failed once. The team recently skipped races at Portland and Gateway, and they don’t have any confirmed plans for the rest of the season. Their last race was in August at Iowa, where Cram had to stop early because of a car problem, and unlike some other teams, Mike Harmon Racing doesn’t have any full-time drivers right now.

Click here to read the full article by Asher Fair (beyondtheflag.com)

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NASCAR viewership down by 12% after tv deal

The NASCAR Cup Series playoffs have begun, and the regular season had about 2.7 million viewers, which is 12% less than last year. The first playoff race at Darlington had 1.88 million viewers, fewer than last year’s first playoff race at Atlanta with 2.02 million viewers. This year started a new TV deal that shows fewer races on broadcast TV and focuses more on younger fans with streaming and new events like the In-Season Tournament. At the same time, Fox’s first IndyCar season had 18% more viewers, and the U.S. Open tennis had its biggest audience since 2022, especially on Sunday.

Click here to read the full article by Austin Karp (www.sportsbusinessjournal.com)

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Herta’s risky F2 detour explained

Colton Herta will race in Formula 2 in 2026 to earn enough Super Licence points to move to Formula 1. His IndyCar results weren’t enough, but doing well in F2 and gaining extra points through practice sessions with Cadillac could help him reach the total he needs. F2 will be a big challenge, and he must learn fast and show strong results to prove he belongs in F1. If he does well, he could join F1 in 2027 and help show a path for more American drivers.

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

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IMSA Resilient racers to honor children at Indianapolis

IMSA started the Resilient Racers program with the Austin Hatcher Foundation and Camp Boggy Creek to support kids with cancer and serious sickness. At the Sept. 21 Battle on the Bricks race in Indianapolis, children’s names will be shown on the cars with the drivers. Around 50 kids will be honored, and teams will spend time with them, give gifts, and share messages. Fans can donate through September, and the money will help both charities give care, therapy, and fun experiences to children and families.

Click here to read the full article at www.imsa.com