New stricter IndyCar licensing rules throw Spanner into the Works

Not taking into consideration mechanical maladies jeopardizing Drivers careers…

 

 

Just when we thought we knew where everyone was going in IndyCar for 2027, the series introduced its strictest ever rules criteria for graduating to IndyCar on September 3rd.

 

IndyCar sets new driver licensing criteria for 2027

 

A quick perusal of these new guidelines for Indy NXT driver advancement allow for only the top three finishers or drivers having won two or more races in the past 24 months the ability to graduate to the Big Boyz’ series.

 

This regulation change directly affects Portland, Oregon’s Josh Pierson’s plans to graduate to IndyCar as the new chauffeur of the No. 4 A.J. Foyt Enterprises entry next year, regardless of his reported $25m Dowery…

 

Pierson, in His fourth Indy NXT season driving for Andretti Global, ultimately came up just short of making the cut anyways at Laguna Seca.

 

Pierson has won races in the Asian Le Mans Series and FIA World Endurance Championship.

 

His first Indy NXT season with HMD Motorsports saw Him miss five races due to His FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) LMP2 commitments, driving for United Autosport. Winning that year’s 6 Hours of Portugal LMP2 category with co-drivers Oliver Jarvis and Giedo van der Garde.

 

Pierson spent three years at HMD Motorsports, with a best overall finish of sixth last year; scoring His first two series podiums at Laguna Seca. Third in Race-1, and second in Race-2.

 

Pierson scored His maiden Indy NXT pole at Milwaukee, and led the first 54-laps before it all unraveled in turn 2. Spinning into the wall while being hounded by eventual race winner Max Garcia.

 

A week later, Pierson made a clean sweep of Race-1 at Laguna Seca. Leading wire-to-wire from pole, along with setting the fastest lap enroute to His maiden Indy NXT win.

 

Starting second in Race-2, ironically Josh was punted by the hapless Garcia! Even though initially IndyCar Radio driver analyst Davey Hamilton thought Garcia had just lost His mind and rammed Pierson! Receiving a Drive-true penalty for avoidable contact. Before later, Pierson told pit reporter Alex Wolff that the car had bogged down upshifting from fourth to fifth gear. Causing Pierson to have to lift off, leaving Garcia with nowhere to go…

 

Thus, in what I’m dubbing the Josh Pierson Rule. Is it fair that Pierson won’t be able to graduate to IndyCar in 2027 due to a mechanical malady? Or for making one tiny mistake on an Oval? As how many IndyCar drivers have crashed into Mother Speedway’s walls during the Indianapolis 500?

 

I understand IndyCar’s desire for having talented drivers over the nebulous “Pay Drivers” finding their way into the series in years past.

 

But I think a more measured approach would have been to emulate the FIA Super License points system instead. Where former IndyCar driver Colton Herta with second (2024) and seventh place finishes (2025) only needs to finish eighth to secure the necessary Super Licence points to graduate to Formula 1.

 

While I’m left uncertain if the two or more wins over 24 months is just for Indy NXT competitors, or anybody, including Formula 2 drivers wishing to come Stateside instead…

 

Certainly, IndyCar wouldn’t deny a FIA Formula 2 Champion unable to find a seat in Formula 1 the opportunity to race in their series, would they?

 

Or haw about reigning five-times IndyCar Champion Alex Palou, winner of 25 IndyCar races to date.

 

Although Palou won three races in the Japanese Formula 3 series and finished third overall in 2017. By today’s standards He wouldn’t have been eligible to compete in IndyCar!

 

Having won from Pole at Fuji Speedway in Japan’s Super formula in 2019. On pole for the final round at Suzuka, Palou looked to be the favourite to win. Yet a problem with a ventilation duct slowed His car and the Spaniard finished P19, dropping to third in the final championship standings before coming Stateside to race for Dale Coyne Racing in 2020. Having amassed only one Super formula win, would IndyCar have said Palou was eligible to drive after the obligatory evaluation test?

 

Not to mention thee Great Santini’, ergo Santino Ferrucci, Eh? Who most definitely wouldn’t meet today’s stricter eligibility guidelines!

 

Ferrucci made His Formula 2 debut in 2017 with a best finish of ninth driving for Trident. Then in 2018 He was banned for four races after intentionally crashing into teammate Arjun Maini at Silverstone. Fined $60,000 Euros and ultimately fired by Trident!

 

Before the Woodberry, Connecticut native made His IndyCar debut for Dale Coyne Racing at Detroit in 2018, and the rest as they say, is history…

 

Marshall Pruett points out how its G-R-r-REAT! That IndyCar wants to improve the talent quality of its drivers. But should they be doing that at the expense of cash strapped teams? Especially when they’ll need to come up with $6-8 million for new Dallara IR28 chassis in 2028!

 

Whilst For the Love of Indy’s r. Hando goes into even greater detail over how Indy NXT might not be the greatest “Feeder series” leading to IndyCar…

 

IndyCar’s Talent Evaluation: Be Careful of What You Wish for 

HYDROS: New Rules, Old Blues

Where another season comes to a close with last year’s same ‘Ol issues…

 

As previously mentioned, this year H1 Unlimited has introduced a new racing format for how long I don’t know?

 

For Mwah, a longtime Unlimited aficionado, the best part of the events final was the five minute milling period. As it was always fascinating over who’d outfox who for the preferred Lane 1.

 

The series even introduced a rule requiring the drivers to a minimum speed of 80mph, and effectively staying on a plane.

 

Having just watched the 1985 Miami regatta, this rule caught out Steve Reynolds in the Miss 7-Eleven. With Reynolds cheekily saying something about bill Muncey would have tried getting away with it, or something to that effect!

 

While boat owner Steve Woomer argued with officials to no avail…

 

Then H1 Unlimited cancelled the minimum 80mph rule, presumably from too many violations impacting race outcomes.

 

Thus for 2026, H1 Unlimited has introduced a points-based accumulation system, with every point counting towards lane selection. Beginning with the fastest qualifier assigned Lane 1 for the events first Heat.

 

Boats are then “split” (inverted) between Heats 1A and 1B on a odd-even basis, with the second fastest Hydroplane being in Lane 1 for Heat 1B. While I believe this 1-3-5-7; 2-4-6-8 “split”, or Heat draw continues for the remaining qualifying Heats up to the final.

 

H1 Unlimited introduces new Race Format debuting at Madison

 

This new weekend points accumulation system only allows for each competitor choosing Lane 1 and Lane 2 once per season for the finals.

 

Andrew Tate chose Lane 2 for Madison, and Lane 1 for Seafair. BWR Racing teammate Jimmy Shane chose Lane 1 at Tri-Cities and Arse-sumedly chose Lane 2 at Seattle, since that’s the lane He raced in.

 

Therefore, I believe both BWR Racing skippers will only be able to choose Lane 3 for this weekend’s San Diego Bill Muncey Cup finale.

 

Also new this year, and for Mwah a breath ‘O fresh air. The H1 Unlimited livestream has replaced Tanner Foust with former Unlimited Hydroplane driver Dustin Echols. And I find it a vast improvement, with no disrespect towards Foust.

 

Echols brings a youthful, infectious manner to His “Driver analyst” colour commentator role, and the chemistry between Play-by-Play announcer Brad Luce is excellent!

 

Not to mention, I appreciate how Luce doesn’t take Himself too seriously. Fessing up to His mistake of trying to make Dustin older than He was when asking Him what it was like transitioning between an open cockpit to racing an enclosed canopy Unlimited Hydroplane. Saying He noticed Dustin’s look at Him while taking one for the team and answering politically correct without throwing Luce under water…

 

That said, for another year in-a-row, the livestream’s volume level is simply Atrocious!

 

I really do not understand why I need to Jack Up the volume 30 levels in order to be able to hear Echols and Luce’s pre-race banter. And then turn it down 8-10 levels during race when Luce starts screaming…

 

Guessing its Broadcasting 101? Since All the announcers do this screaming trick, but I don’t understand why!

 

As Mark Gravelly’ James and Michael Screech’ Young’s screaming over Kyfinn Simpson and Christian Lundgaard banging wheels during the middle of Portland’s IndyCar race definitely woke me up while fighting over ninth place! But I digress…

 

Also, I don’t understand why H1 Unlimited cannot have a microphone to pickup the sound of the Hydroplanes on course. As they managed to do so for the gold Cup event in Madison, but the two Warshinton’ races, i.e.; Tri-Cities and Seattle were completely devoid of any Hydroplane noise.

 

As I’ve come to enjoy the whooshing sounds of the Unlimited boats screaming by, and for someone who’s blind, I cannot watch any of the action onscreen!

 

Which is why without any mechanical race boat noise and trumped-up, manufactured Hype of screaming at me all race long, its pretty hard for me to get excited!

 

Yeah, I know Brad Luce says if that didn’t get me excited than I better look for some other sort of entertainment…

 

Yet I do love Hydroplane racing. I just wish I didn’t have to turn my Confuzer’ speakers up to 99 in order to hear the announcers and then down to 76 when one’s screaming and there’s no turbine whine of the Unlimiteds racing by! 

IndyCar unveils the long awaited 2028 IR28 Chassis

    15 years after rolling out the DW12 Race Car…

 

Author’s Note

For those who don’t know the drill. Have I reminded Y’all lately that I’m Blind. Not to mention always being late to thee Party!

 

Therefore Captain McObvious here, I cannot give any thoughts upon how the new Dallara IR28 chassis looks, or what visual cues are different. For which perhaps you’ve already seen during its initial track testing on the Indianapolis road course last weekend. When Alexander Rossi and Alex Palou ran one day apiece in what I’d call a “Mule” chassis.

 

As IndyCar has released digital sketches and a swanky video narrated by Matt Damon regarding the new racecar replacing the aged Dallara DW12.

 

New NTT IndyCar Series Race Car introduced for 2028 and Beyond

 

From the press release I gleaned the following tidbits, beside all of the typical boiler-plate it’s the greatest thing since sliced bread comments from various people like J. Douglas Boles, etc. Along with claiming it’ll break track records.

 

Uhm, why do we need to break Arie Luyendyk’s 30 years old one and four lap Indianapolis 500 records? Especially when we’re artificially upping turbo boost to do so. Then turning it back down during the race, but I digress…

 

“Watching” David Land’s 18mins video on the digital reveal. He repeatedly mentions the front and rear wings looking very formula 1-ish. While the press release mentions the integration of the new, lighter Aeroscreen makes it look like a Jet Fighter.

 

There’s the return of LED panels, which like David Land muses. Hopefully this time they work! Along with a viewable top portion of the engine cover allowing us to see Chevrolet and Honda badging. Arse-sumedly on the cam covers.

 

The new 2.4-litre twin turbo V-6 lumps’; Uhm, weren’t those gonna be introduced in 2022-2023? Err, second generation units will initially produce between 640Bhp up to 760Bhp, depending whether Speedway or Road course/Street Cricut specification. Coupled to a brand new hybrid system producing 60Bhp from a chassis that’s 100lbs lighter. Along with 65Bhp Push-to-Pass (P2P) with longer RPM duration.

 

As it’s the new hybrid system I’m most interested upon more details. Changing from the original super capacitor version to a battery pack system instead. Presumably once again a la Formula 1, being produced by either an UK firm named Helix, or a Spanish outfit called Vold; or perhaps both? Claiming to store up to 14 times more energy than the previous incarnation.

 

While the IR28 also uses spec suspension and spec Dampers, taking away the IndyCar teams last customization area, albeit I’ll Arse-sume that Damper (Shocks) Engineers will still be important in tuning said spec components.

 

While BBS becomes the spec supplier of wheels, which I believe will be aluminum instead of magnesium, and many more details to come…

 

VIDEO: Up close and Personal with the New IndyCar

 

As welcome to the 21st Century Dallara IR28 chassis. What’s that Bono? “It’s a Beautiful day!” 

MOTO GP: The forgotten Championship?

Move over Pinball wizard’, Thars’ a new Italian threat on the Hunt!

 

Ticking over the one quarter mark of the 2026 MotoGP season, I thought I’d finally get round to reviewing the season’s start. Although just thru Round 5’s French Grand Prix.

 

Since after all, France becomes the racing epicenter in June. At some place called Le Mans. With the MotoGP event taking place upon its Seester’ track…

 

Although pretty sure that ‘Ol Ettore Bugatti would be rolling over at my use of Seester’ nomenclature…

 

Surprisingly, the 2026 MotoGP grid remains largely unchanged, with the exception of two riders. Being the additions of Diogo Moreira and Toprak Razgatlioglu.

 

22 year old Brazilian Moreira is the reigning Moto2 champion. Replacing Somkiat Chantra at Pro Honda LCR.

 

29 year old Razgatlioglu. from Turkey, the reigning three-times Superbike’s champion. Replaces Miguel Oliveira at Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP.

 

With only three riders being replaced due to injures to date. As VK8 Gresini Racing’s Fermin Aldeguer broke His leg during training, and was replaced by Ducati Corse test rider Michele Pirro in Thailand.

 

Then at Circuit Of The Americas, (COTA) Maverick “Top gun” Vinales, also known as Batman withdrew after practice due to a loose screw in His shoulder.

 

Uhm, a screw from His previous injury in Germany last year was inflicting pain and caused Vinales to not race at Austin…

 

Undergoing further surgery, Vinals had hoped the extended break in the MotoGP calendar would allow Him to be ready for Jerez. But the Spaniard wasn’t deemed medically fit for His home race.

 

Adding insult to injury, substitute rider Pol Espargaro suffered a hand injury prior to Jerez, leaving the Red Bull Tech 3 KTM squad with just Enea Bastianini competing, before Vinales was replaced by Jonas Folger for the French Grand Prix.

 

Yet through the French Grand Prix on the Bugatti circuit, the rider who’s been fairly untouchable was Aprilia’s Marco Bezzecchi! As the Italian began the season where He’d left off, scoring His third MotoGP win in-a-row; following last year’s triumphs at Portimoa and Valencia.

 

Bezzecchi “Blitzed” the field in Thailand, and comfortably won ahead of Pedro Acosta by 5.5 seconds. While the Aprilia RS-GP26 is now clearly the Scooter’ to beat! With Aprilia claiming four of the top five spots. With Bezzecchi’s teammate thee Martinator’, nee Jorge Martin sandwiched between Trackhouse’s Raul Fernandez (third) and Ai Ogura. (fifth)

 

After passing polesitter Fabio Di Giannantonio in Brazil, Bezzecchi motored off to His fourth win in-a-row. Only the fifth rider to do so; behind Valentino Rossi, Marc Marquez, Jorge Lorenzo and Francesco Bagnaia.

 

Martin finished second, giving the factory Aprilia squad a 1-2 finish at Autodromo Internacional Ayrton Senna.

 

Circuit Of The Americas (COTA) saw Bezzecchi continuing His domination of MotoGP, claiming a fifth successive victory on the trot, with Martin runner-up again. While Ogura’s Aprilia “done blown Up!” With five laps remaining when in third.

 

“Watching”, Err listening to the Spanish Grand Prix highlights, the announcers screamed Oh No! Marc Marquez has crashed out again! As Marquez was chasing His younger brother Alex who was leading. With Alex snapping Bezzecchi’s win streak with His second win at home in Jerez, the second year in-a-row.

 

Also hearing that it was a belated 30th birthday present to the Spanish rider, with Bezzecchi settling for second.

 

Yet obviously, the biggest “Star” rider to suffer another injury was Marc Marquez at Le Mans Bugatti circuit! Crashing heavily during the Saturday Sprint race, Marquez suffered a broken foot. Then having surgery for both the foot and His shoulder. Removing two damaged screws from a previous surgery.

 

As the reigning MotoGP champion will miss the next few rounds, albeit no idea how long His recovery will take?

 

Listening to the highlights of this year’s French Grand Prix, with no idea Marc Marquez was out. Aprilia made history by claiming its first ever podium lock-out. With Jorge Martin hunting down Aprilia teammate Marco Bezzecchi and winning for the first time in 588 days! The Martinator’s las W’ being at Indonesia in 2024…

 

Bezzecchi had to settle for second, with Trackhouse Racing’s Ai Ogura third. Hearing that it was the First “Dry” podium for a Japanese rider since 2006! And first podium since 2012 “Wet” race.

 

Shinya Nakano was the rider at the 2006 Dutch GP. While Katsuyuki Nakasuga was the rider at the 2012 Grand Prix of Valencia. With both finishing second.

 

Yet what totally baffled me, was hearing the Announcer saying thee Martinator and Ogura very well may become Yamaha’s factory lineup next year, say What?

 

Apparently the door opens for Martin with Fabio Quartararo moving to Honda. And reportedly Francesco Pecco’ Bagnaia will take Martin’s Aprilia seat…

 

Although I cannot fathom why Martin would wish to leave Aprilia, since they’re the bike to have. Although I was totally unaware that next year MotoGP will move to its new 850cc format.

 

Whilst Martin had tried wriggling out of His Aprilia contract a year early last season. So who knows, will Jorge once again take the No. 1 plate to a new manufacturer, a la 2024?

 

Obviously, not if Marco Bezzecchi has anything to say about it! 

F1: Super clipping sucking soul out of Sport

As “Battery world Championship” isn’t an encouraging F1 moniker!

 

Why did I think of that ‘Ol Kansas song with the following lyrics, Eh?

 

“Once I rose above the noise and confusion
Just to get a glimpse beyond this illusion
I was soaring ever higher
But I flew too high”

 

VIDEO: Carry On Wayward Son

 

Max Verstappen

“I found a cheaper solution. I swapped the simulator for my Nintendo Switch and yeah, practicing a bit of Mario Kart, actually.

 

“Finding the mushrooms is going quite well. The blue shell is a bit more difficult, but I'm working on it. The rocket's still not there. It's coming.”

(Source: grandprix.com)

 

Those were the words of Four-times F1 World Champion Max Verstappen during Thursday’s Chinese Grand Prix press conference. When asked if simulator work helped drivers in managing the complex 2026 car’s energy systems.

 

This year’s Formula 1 season finds myself at multiple crossroads. Having religiously “watched”, Err followed Formula 1 for nearly 40 years now, with my debutante F1 race being the 1986 Detroit Grand Prix. And cannot say I’m overly impressed with the latest interpretation of thee “Pinnacle of Motorsports”.

 

Think we’ve all heard Max Blunderhead’s critique of it being Formula E on Steroids, which I tend to agree with. As what’s happened to the late Ayrton Senna’s famous quip “If you no longer go for a Gap that exists, then you’re no longer a racing driver!

 

“As I’m mot here to finish third, fourth or fifth, I drive to win”.

 

VIDEO: Ayrton Senna – If you No longer Go for a Gap

 

And Fernando Alonso’s sarcastic quip about how the (Aston Martin) chef could drive the car. Hell, half the team could drive the car now! Since you no longer need any skill to drive these cars, instead just managing the energy management system…

 

As formula 1 used to be about skill, bravery and bravado of finding the outer limit of driving a car through flat out corners like Spoon and 130R at Suzuka, which have been neutered!

 

Whilst Lando Norris has rightly pointed out how the current F1 chassis has killed the soul of formula 1! With Charles Leclerc lamenting how its all become about consistency over a lap and not being able to drive on the ragged edge anymore…

 

While I’m guessing we’re all learning about what this Super clipping is, eh? Which if I understand correctly, is when today’s F1 chassis is left with no battery power on the straight and depending solely upon the internal combustion engine (ICE) to propel the car forwards. Seeing to a dramatic drop in performance and overall top speed.

 

Although I’ve read that this Super Clipping phenomenon can even occur when the Power Unit is under full power, with the energy management system deciding to “cut-in”.

 

F1 2026 Super Clipping explained

 

Today’s racecars are dependent upon the 50% battery power, and with the subtraction of the MGU-H, (Motor Generator Heat Unit) harvesting exhaust gasses to limit turbo lag. Drivers can only recharge their battery during braking in corners, which leads to a lack of electrical energy on circuits with long straights and little corner braking, which Suzuka used to be.

 

Now am I advocating for the return of those shrieking 3.0-litre normally aspirated V-10’s. I said speak up Sonny! What do you mean my hearing Sucks? Huh? Did you say something eh?

 

I’m just left feeling that Formula 1 has gone too far forward with this technical regulation cycle. With two immediate thoughts, Err three springing to mind…

 

Do you all remember that despised Delta wing racecar? Once hailed as the next generation of Indy Cars. As where did the Delta wing go?

 

Along with the Handford device which made overtaking occur Ah-Plenty’ in (CART) IndyCar racing. Perhaps being the original Yo-Yo racing format, Eh?

 

Or how about the ridiculous amount of drivers passing and then being repassed during the 2013 Indianapolis 500 Me Thinks? Or whatever year there was some ridiculous 68 passes for the lead or something to that effect.

 

As I’ve said many times before, I’m not an engineer, nor do I pretend to play one. Or stay at Motel 6 or whatever the tag-line is? Meaning I’ve got zero clue on how to solve this current dilemma…

 

But you only need to look at Oliver Bearman’s nasty crash at Suzuka when encountering Franco Colapinto at a closing speed of 28mph. And indeed, Formula 1 is extremely lucky that Ollie’ walked away from His 50G impact at 191mph with only bruising to His extremities!

 

Since why does the late Gilles Villeneuve crash come to mind?

 

Whilst Lando’s comment about how He repassed Lewis Hamilton at Suzuka even when He didn’t want to, solely due to the battery system kicking in. And then having Hamilton immediately repass Him when His energy store was depleted and Lewis could call “Slingshot On!” Is definitely not real racing!

 

Although Lando sarcastically quipped after the Japanese Grand Prix: “this is the Best racing ever!”

 

Yeah, I understand that IndyCar has its vaunted P2P, ergo Push-to-Pass turbo boost system, going back at least to Champ Car. And Formula 1 previously had DRS. (Drag Reduction System) Both artificial methods to increase overtaking.

 

Its just that I’ve always thought F1 was supposed to be the pioneers of technology that one day would filter down to our road cars. Meaning do we really want everyone saying Slingshot On! Or pushing the turbo boost button on our Freeways and residential streets?

 

And is Formula 1 really all about Megajoules deployment? You make the call…

 

Partial song lyrics from: Kansas’s Carry On Wayward Son; 1976 Leftoverture Album. 

FIA changes Power Unit Compression check

But will Mercedes have an “Unfair Advantage” until then?

 

Lost in all of the excitement over Formula 1 kicking off its 2026 season Down Under in Bloody Melbourne Mates! For those who have access to Apple TV!

 

Prior to this year’s Australian Grand Prix, the FIA announced its Power Unit regulations would be updated June 1st over the much ballyhooed and controversial “Compression-Gate” saga dogging Formula 1.

 

Prior to the season kickoff via an E Vote, unanimous consent was accepted over a new policy “Policing” the perceived loophole Mercedes Benz, and possibly Red Bull Power Train have extracted regarding the lowered 16:1 compression ratio for 2026. A decrease from the previous 18:1 allowance.

 

Currently, Power Units were only mandated to meet this requirement at ambient temperature, with the theory being that Mercedes had engineered a way to increase compression at higher operating temperature. And thus, perceivably gaining extra horsepower by returning to the higher 18:1 ratio.

 

Starting June 1st, Power Units will be tested at both ambient and a higher operating  temperature, and next year a higher operating temperature will be chosen for inspection purposes. Which hopefully, all of the Power Unit manufacturers will find suitable, and theoretically establish a “level” playing field…

 

Meanwhile, it was somewhat interesting hearing both McLaren and Williams team principals Andrea Stella and James Vowles noting how Mercedes definitely seemed to have not passed on as much working knowledge of the new Power Unit to its customers. And they were struggling to unlock the new PU’s potential.

 

As believe Vowles said it was costing them 0.3 seconds per lap and qualifying was startling to see how far off the pace they were! While I’m certain Alpine was also in the same situation. 

Time to Kickoff the 2026 Formula 1 season

“But it’s a long way to the Top, If You wanna Rock ‘n Roll”

 

VIDEO: It’s A Long Way to the Top

 

Think everyone’s heard Ad Nauseum that this year’s Formula 1 championship sees the most complex set of technical regulation changes, i.e.; chassis and power unit. With a total of two new PU (Power Unit) manufacturers joining the fray. Audi as its own Werks supplier, and Ford in conjunction with Red Bull Power Train. (RBPT) With a total of five PU manufacturers, i.e.; Audi,(1)  Ferrari, (3)  Honda, (1) Mercedes (4)  and Red Bull Ford. (2) With Ferrari customers being Haas and Cadillac; Mercedes being Alpine, McLaren and Williams, and Ford supplying both Red Bull entities. With Aston Martin becoming Honda’s Werks’ team, dropping its Mercedes customer PU; effectively taken up by Alpine.

 

RETRO: A Sad Day for French Motorsports

 

There’s now a total of 11 F1 Constructors, with the addition of Audi, who’s purchase of Sauber is now complete. And the brand new Cadillac entry, as the grid’s 11th team. With Cadillac using customer Ferrari PU’s until 2029, giving us Yanks two U.S. Flagged F1 Constructors this year.

 

Haven’t read the latest gossip over the reported PU roe, with Mercedes and Red Bull Ford being alleged of managing to skirt the Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) maximum compression 16:1 ratio regulation, by having their engines combustion chambers “tighten” up under extreme heat to circumvent this regulation and increase compression to 18:1 if I understand this correctly? With cynics suggesting an increase of lap times of 0.4 second per lap.

 

As nothing like a little controversy to get the pre-season started, Eh?

 

On the drivers front, there was very little change overall, with eight of the 10 Formula 1 teams from last year standing pat. As only the two Red bull outfits made driver changes. With Isack Hadjar being elevated to the Big Bulls’, aka Red Bull Racing as Yuki Tsnoda’s replacement. And the series lone rookie Arvid Lindblad joining thee ‘lil Bullz’, nee Racing Bulls as Hadjar’s vacated seat.

 

Veteran F1 drivers Sergio Perez and Valtteri Botta return to Formula 1 after a year’s absence as Cadillac’s two drivers. And although Perez is talking Bullish about the team scoring points in its maiden campaign. I’ll expect there to be the usual teething issues of any brand new entity…

 

Cannot say I’m a fan of the Canadian Grand Prix moving to Memorial Day to butt heads with the Indianapolis 500, especially since there’s a three weeks gap between Miami and Montreal. Whilst not sure if any other calendar changes? Other than keeping the usual allotment of six Sprint race weekends, i.e.; Shanghai, Miami, Montreal, Silverstone, Zandvoort and Singapore.

 

While I’ve previously tried briefly chronicling this season’s massive  technical changes in the preceding No Fenders post…

 

F1: Dawning of the Latest era begins 

F1: Dawning of the Latest Era begins

Although behind Closed Doors…

 

Testing

Jan 26-30: Private test at Circuit de Barcelona

Feb 11-13: First “Open” Test at Bahrain International Circuit

Feb 18-20: Bahrain Final Test

 

2026 Formula 1 Pre-season testing has begun this week in earnest, with the commencing of a five-day private test for all 11 F1 Teams at Circuit de Barcelona Catalunya. With teams permitted to run any three days of the five.

Whilst I don’t know how much information we’ll receive, or how much results will truly resonate with the season kicking off Down Under at Melbourne on March 8th.

 

Thus, following the conclusion of the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, I immediately began wondering about the intricacies of the much ballyhooed 2026 F1 regulation changes, before I settled in for my long winter’s nap…

 

Each team was allowed to run one “Mule” chassis with a lead driver at the post Abu Dhabi Young Drivers test, along with the requisite “Youngster” driving the 2025 chassis, held on Tuesday, December 9th.

 

Although several teams split the day between their current two drivers aboard the 2026 Mule chassis.

 

While I knew that the chassis would be smaller, lighter and “nimbler”. With increased electrification and smaller Pirelli tyres.

Erroneously, multiple websites reported that wheels rim sizes would “shrink” from 18-inches down to 16-inch diameter, Say What?

 

As let’s delve into these “Lean, Mean, Fighting Machines”…

 

First off, the wheel rim size will continue to be 18 inches with reduced size, “Skinnier” revised Pirelli compound range rubber, designed to give bigger compound separation.

 

F1 2025 Post Abu Dhabi test: Pirelli’s first major run with 2026 tyres

 

The new Power Units or PU’s will still utilize the existing 1.6-litre single turbocharger configuration introduced in 2014. But the Internal Combustion Engine )ICE) will be “Detuned” from a maximum 850bhp to 540bhp, running on 100% sustainable Fuel.

 

But it’s the electrical energy side that gets “Charged” up! As the Motor Generator Unit – Heat (MGU-H) is deleted entirely, while the Motor Generator Unit – kinetic

 (MGU-K) increases significantly. With the MGU-K’s power increasing to 470bhp from 150bhp, tripling power-wise. With a total power output o 1,010bhp on tap.

 

According to Formula1.com, the chassis wheelbase length shrinks by 200mm to 3400mm, the size of your reusable “Drinks” bottle. Width reduces 100mm to 1900mm, the size of a chocolate bar, albeit Arse-sumedly these are European sizes. So don’t know how they differ Stateside?

 

Minimum chassis weight decreases by 30kg to 768kg, along with new moveable front/rear aerodynamics. Most notably the removal of the DRS. (Drag Reduction System)

 

Yet what I found most frustrating was the lack of current information preceding the first official closed door test. Since as of Boxing Day, (Dec 26th) everything I could find was from June, 2024, WTF!

 

Since along with the racecar’s smaller size, the biggest change occurs with the new Active Aerodynamics, which feature moveable front and rear wings. Which I don’t know if we’ll still be using the initial “Z-mode”, or Zed mode )Zulu) cornering high Downforce, wings closed configuration. And “X-mode” (X-Ray) straight-line low Drag wings opened configuration designations during racing this season? As both front and rear wings are dramatically different.

 

Z-mode and X-mode Active Aerodynamics explained

 

While more importantly, the full Ground Effects era is discontinued. With a partial flat floor section returning. With a larger diffuser with larger openings, and a overall higher minimum ride height mandated. Which should hopefully cure the undesired and dreadful porpoising effects we’ve previously encountered.

 

Overall Downforce is reduced by 15%, with lap times expected to be two seconds slower. Although as typical, Engineers will claw back these decreases, which normally occurs over a regulation “life cycle”.

 

 Yet probably the hardest part to get used to will be the use of the new terminology of Overtake, Boost and Recovery modes.

 

Recovery’s the most obvious, meaning the car is “Harvesting” or recharging its electrical system.

 

Boost mode is when the stored electrical energy is deployed for either offensive or defensive “Driving” modes.

 

While Overtake mode is when a driver can “manually” enact the Boost mode provided they’re within one second of the leading car for “Attacking” the driver ahead…

 

As here’s a pretty good “primer” short video covering all of the complex 2026 F1 regulation changes.

 

VIDEO: Everything You need to Know about the F1 2026 Regulations 

Plenty to Take away from Annual Chris Griffis test

But who will emerge as the true Front runners next year?

 

There seems to have been a seismic shift in Indy NXT for the forthcoming 2026 season. With nearly half of the IndyCar grid now being involved. Which I suppose you could say swells to six IndyCar team “alliances”, if we include Cusik Morgan Motorsports.

 

Not sure when the Ball began rolling forwards, since I missed the kickoff; Oopsadaisy, Butterfingers! With Chip Ganassi Racing “Doubling Down” when expanding to four cars next year.

 

As this seems to be inline wit the new regulations allowing a maximum grid of 24 cars and teams being limited to four entries apiece.

 

Thus interestingly, HMD Motorsports, who’ve run with a nine car armada the past few seasons now fields just four cars itself. But also enters a technical and strategic alliance with the newly reformed A.J. Foyt Enterprises two car entry.

 

Whilst HMD Motorsports also provides the “muscle” behind the two car Cusik Morgan Motorsports entry, hence seeing HMD involved with eight entries overall.

 

Also joining the fray is Ed Carpenter Racing, forming a technical alliance with Cape Motorsports who previously partnered with Andretti Global last season. As the team will now be known as Cape Motorsports Powered by ECR, running a two car entry.

 

Juncos Hollinger Racing (JHR) returns after a one year hiatus with its traditional two car entry. While Andretti Global, current reigning back-to-back Indy NXT Champions continues its march on the competition with its usual, stout four car entry.

 

As it was new Andretti Global recruit Sebastian Murry being quickest during the annual Chris Griffis Memorial Test outing held on October 27th on Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s permanent road course.

 

As Murray led a 1-2-3 sweep with Andretti teammates Max Taylor and Josh Pierson close behind. With the pair also being new to Andretti.

 

Nikita Johnson in the No. 21 Cape Motorsports entry was the day’s quickest rookie. With rookie  Alessandro de Tullio rounding out the Top-5 aboard the No. 14 Foyt entry.

 

Yet as typical, one shouldn’t read too much into testing times. Especially with the top two title protagonists Lochie Hughes and Myles Rowe working upon their driving styles and testing the new Xtractransmission., instead of hunting for quick times.

 

As Hughes, who was having to “recompute” after having driven an IndyCar for the first time ever a Fortnight earlier, said it was a little bit strange going back to the NXT  chassis. With the Aussie’ finishing sixth overall. While Myles Rowe was P7, with the pair finishing third and fourth last year respectively.

 

Hughes was one of the seven drivers running the new for 2026 Xtrac semi-automatic gearbox, which replaces the older  units.

 

Xtrac had one new unit for each of seven teams to test, with additional ballast added to ensure bench-line testing vs. the older, heavier spec transmissions.

 

And speaking of Aussie’s’, a total of four took part in the test, with three now being confirmed. As HMD Motorsports who ran a quartet of European race series talent. Confirmed 17yr old rookie Josh Beeton following the test, as the first of its four announced drivers…

 

Oh Contrair, Enzo Fittipaldi, younger brother of Pietro was confirmed on October 30th. Wit the 24yr old former F2 driver saying that His goal now is IndyCar. Uhm, just like All of the others Enzo!

 

Beeton joins the aforementioned Hughes, with fellow rookie Nicolas Stati confirmed at Cusik Morgan Motorsports. Whilst Tommy smith tested for Chip Ganassi Racing.

 

Twenty-four car took part in the test; Arse-sumedly the entire field, with a total of 13 rookies participating. With the following teams and number of entries as follows.

 

Abel Motorsports, (4) includes single Abel Motorsports with Force Indy entry. A.J. Foyt enterprises, (2) Andretti Global, (4) Cape Motorsports Powered by ECR, (2) Chip Ganassi Racing, (4) Cusik Morgan Motorsports, (2) HMD Motorsports (4) and Juncos Hollinger Racing. (2)

 

Chris Griffis Test Outing Recap

 

As the majority of the Indy NXT field will be sawing logs for the foreseeable Winter’s Slumber. With another Gory 88 days until the season kickoff at St Pete on March 1st, 2026, G-R-R-R-Roan!

 

Since I don’t know if any of these Indy NXT drivers will be making cameos at the forthcoming Rolex 24?

 

As it looks like a pretty stout field, as the driving talent only seems to be ratcheting up with the steady influx of European lads’ coming across thoust gory Puddle… 

McLaren Walks the Plank in Vegas

Perhaps when passing Treasure Island each lap?

 

Yeah, this is old news now, especially since we’ve now completed the Qatar Grand Prix. But in the wake of the previous Grand Prix in Sin City, ergo Las Vegas, where Y’all know that well worn cliché. What Happens in Vegas…

 

In the Media’s typical rush to get the news out. I became Cornfuzed over the various reports stating that both McLaren’s had been Disqualified due to either Skid block or Plank ware. Since perhaps its just Mwah? But the word skid block congers up the image of a square, equidistant block. Verses a plank being of a rectangular distance. So which Bloody one was it?

 

When I hear the word plank, I immediately think of the word Jabroc, and Michael Schumacher being disqualified from His Belgian Grand Prix win in 1994.

 

Following these” composite” plank’ then made from beechwood, having been introduced to prevent teams from running their chassis to low to the ground for aerodynamic effects.

 

Although apparently Jabroc has been replaced by today’s modern materials, i.e.; fiberglass or composite.

 

All Formula 1 chassis are required this mandatory composite plank being affixed to the car’s bottom along it’s centre line from a horizontal line’s point lying 330mm, approx. 13 inches behind the front wheel’s cenre line. Extending to the rear wheel’s centre line.

 

This rectangular plank must be of uniform thickness when new. Measuring a width of 300mm, i.e.; approx. 12 inches. (One Foot) Having a thickness of 10mm with a 0.2mm plus/minus tolerance. And being symmetrically fixed, allowing no airflow between it and the car’s bottom mounting surface.

 

What I didn’t know until Thanksgiving day, four days after said disqualification. According to ESPN Online Motorsport Headlines, there are four FIA measurement holes in the plank protected by titanium plates for inspection purposes. Presumably during both pre and post-race technical inspection. Wit a maximum of one millimeter wear.

 

As the titanium skid blocks are used to protect the floor and are what make the sparks one sees onscreen during a race broadcast…

 

According to Racer’s Chris Medland, Lando Norris’s car was found to be 0.12mm and Oscar Piastri’s car was 0.26mm out of the minimum 9mm plank allowance, both at the rearmost measurement point. For which I believe there being holes cut in the plank’s left and right sides for said measurement.

 

Being a Yank’ fully ensconced in Standard measurement, I set about trying to find out the differences in what ‘Ol Professor (Steve) Matchett would define as Old Money vs. New Money…

 

Thus learning that one millimeter is equal to approximately 0.0394 inch. (0.039371)  And one inch is equal to 25.4mm.

 

Amazingly, the thickness of a typical, single sheet of paper varies from 0.07 to 0.18 of a millimeter, with copy paper typically being 0.1mm, Aye Karumba!

 

While if I remember correctly? One 16th of an inch = 0.625, being more than one millimeter thick.

 

Thus one can now understand indeed how the dreaded Porpoising of today’s F1 ground effect cars can cause these inherit infractions of running one’s chassis too low by accident or excessive wear.

 

With both McLaren drivers being instructed to “Lift and Coast” on the track’s long straights to try mitigating this porposiing effect, which didn’t work…

 

As both Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) and Charles Leclerc )Ferrari) cars were DQ’ed’ (Disqualified) at Circuit Of The Americas (COTA) in 2023 for similar infractions. And the rules are the rules, especially since every formula 1 team is trying to sun their chassis at the lowest possible ride height for aerodynamic efficiency. And just how tight the tolerances are!