Haas’s F1 Gong show

As where’s the ‘Ol Cat-in-The-Hat’ when Yuhs need Him?

 

During the lead-up to this year’s Italian grand Prix, Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu confirmed they were holding their own version of Jack Roush’s legendous’ gong Show for Esteban Ocon’s seat for 2027.

 

Back-in-the-day, Roush used to hold driver shoot-outs for His Trans Am team. As I still recall Robby dirtMann’ Gordon coming out on top for the Nasty Whistler Ford Mustang Trans Am car in the early 1990’s…

 

Ok, so my memory’s a little hazy. Since it was actually for Roush’s IMSA GTO entry, which Gordon drove that Nasty Whistler Radar sponsored Mustang in 1991, albeit He did run a Trans Am event in 1992.

 

“Ayao Komatsu says Esteban Ocon is competing with Ryo Hirakawa, Jack Doohan, Leonardo Fornaroli and Rafael Camara for one 2027 Haas drive.”

 

Although its worth noting that Haas F1 driver Oliver “Ollie” Beraman, a Ferrari Academy member is set to retain His drive for next season.

 

Hirakawa, Fornaroli and Camara tested at Jerez previously. With Doohan set to test at Jerez following the Spanish Grand Prix at Madrid.

 

Doohan is Haas’s reserve driver this year, while Hirakawa is backed by Toyota. Camara is a Ferrari Academy member, and Fornaroli is the reigning Formula 2 champion and McLaren F1 reserve driver.

 

Of these four aspiring drivers, I’d have to guess that Fornaroli is the leading candidate, but who knows, Eh? As politics could play a role in deciding. And who will Haas favour. Toyota or Ferrari? Both substantial Haas F1 backers.

 

As the latest scuttlebutt now puts Ferrari “Junior” Rafael Camara as the leading candidate at 90% certain, while only time will tell… 

Charter, Road Rage and New Chassis Hoopla

Which All seems a very long time ago…

 

Felt like any euphoria I might be having over IndyCar rolling out it’s new Dallara IR28 chassis, was quickly extinguished by the propensity of pathetic volume issues when trying to listen to all three days of the Portland weekend via IndyCar Radio. As it’s a really long way for those paper cups and waxed string to stretch from Indianapolis to Portland, as speak up Mark James!

 

Don’t want to say it was a boring race, but in-between being able to hear ‘Ol Gravelly’, aka Mark James. It was funny hearing Him call out my “go-to” radio station KIKI Hawaii.

 

As Honolulu’s KIKI FOX Sports Radio wasn’t carrying the race, but instead had some lame Arse Stick ‘n Ball Sports Yahoos’ prattling away, Oh Never Mind!

 

Yeah, it’s really old news now that Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLLR) sold it’s third IndyCar Charter to Dreyer & Reinbold Racing. (DRR) As DRR will become a one car IndyCar Charter entry in 2027.

 

While Graham Rahal spilled the beans to David Land Wayback’ at Portland (August 8th) that DRR would be forming a technical alliance with the reconstituted two car RLLR entry, thus switching from Chevrolet to Honda.

 

DRR was briefly a Powered by Judd, Err Lotus engine customer in 2012 before switching to the Bowtie’, which they’ve run ever since. And while I know they’ll bristle at this, effectively become RLLR’s third Honda entity.

 

Which made it curious that IndyCar Radio’s Davey Hamilton was denying this a week later during the Markham Morass…

 

Its been well documented that Marshall Pruett claims the charter was sold for $13 million, setting a somewhat steep baseline for future charter sales. While Conor Daly is the frontrunner for the unannounced DRR driver.

 

The move appears to leave rookie IndyCar driver Mick Schumacher out of a ride at RLLR next year, with us Wags’ ponderin’ where Mick will land next season?

 

With IndyCar Radio’s Michael Young saying at Markham there were already paddock rumblings of Mick having found a seat for next year, while RLLR confirmed Graham Rahal and Louis Foster as its drivers next season.

 

Yet I’d say it was “Eyes Forward” over the Road America 6 Hours Sports Car Shemozzle, Err weekend, with most eyes focused solely upon Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Where the long awaited Dallara DW12 replacement chassis was making its public debut.

 

As IndyCar wisely invited the media and public to view the brand new Dallara IR28 IndyCar making validation runs on the IMS road course over the August 2nd weekend.

 

Thanks to David Land, we got copious amounts of “viewage” upon the new IR28, along with its startup, leaving the garage and at “song” briefly. With Alexander Rossi being the first to drive Saturday, and Alex Palou driving Sunday. Giving Chevrolet and Honda each one respective driver fir the Dallara IR28’s first validation test.

 

Naturally, the debut came the week after the annual Brickyard 400 and ironically was affected by rainy weather both days.

 

The lone IR28 racecar was a “Mule” chassis. Running a 2022-spec, unbadged Ilmor first generation 2.4-litre twin turbo V-6 lump’, and sounded great!

 

Running without the new hybrid system, and just weight ballast instead, as the hybrid system won’t debut until next year, Arse-sumedly when the new second generation 2.4-litre engines arrive.

 

It was funny listening to the media Bullpen Scrum’ sessions, as everyone acted like we’d just landed on the Moon! All trying to beat others to their most important questions.

 

But like IndyCar’s project leader Mike O’Gara said. This was just the first validation test, and the teams are pretty busy in August. So, they won’t do any more validation testing until after season’s end. With Mother Speedway’s Oval on the docket, along with Sebring’s short course and Nashville’s Super Speedway.

 

 

And while it’s fantastic that a new IndyCar has finally arrived, could we please quit talking about breaking track records! How ‘bout we just get the finished product delivered to all of the teams for St Petersburg’s March 2028 season opener instead!

 

Since funniest thing I heard about the initial test was the alternator that was supposed to be running with the hybrid kept causing computer glitches…

 

Tuned into the majority of Sunday’s (August 2nd ) inaugural 6 Hours Michelin Endurance Cup Road America IMSA Sports Car race, which seemingly turned into an Argey-Bardgie show!

 

The officiating was called into question, with John Hindhaugh talking about the controversy caused by not calling a penalty on Jack Achey Breaky Aitken’s tussle with Felipe Nasr, perhaps? Since know it was one of the Penske Porsche Motorsport Boyz’.

 

Thus suppose the karmic whip caught up with Aitken at race’s end when trying to pass the always aggressive Porsche Hotschue’ Kevin Estre for second place. As Estre was having none of it, with the two colliding and both wrecking out of the race!

 

This saw Ricky Taylor claiming the chequered flag, with co-driver Felipe Albuquerque in the No. 10 Cadillac V-Series.R, marking 792 days since Wayne Taylor Racing stood atop the podium, Aye Karumba!

 

As WTR’s last win came at Detroit in 2024, and an emotionally relieved Wayne Taylor used how He was starting to doubt Himself over everything He did!

 

Wayne Taylor Racing’s return to Victory Lane “A big relief”

 

Think it had been a long time for WTR, Eh? Well it had been even longer for Pfaff Motorsports, who gave the brand new Lamborghini Temerario its maiden IMSA GT3 win. With the Canadian racing team having not won since the 2023 Sebing 12 Hours, three-plus years ago, Crikeys!

 

Ironically, the win came on the heels of Pfaff announcing it was leaving IMSA GTD Pro competition at season’s end…

 

Wayne Taylor Racing breaks through at Hot tempered Road America 6 Hours 

The 2026 Unlimited Hydroplane season is Finally Here!

But will anybody see or hear ‘em. And how many boats will show up in Indiana?

 

Think Indy Cars Offseason is long? Whale’, then think about H1 Unlimited having gone a gory 292 days since it’s season finale in San Diego, Aye Karumba!

 

And I still Don’t get it? Why H1 Unlimited’s coverage of the sport is so pathetic! Since they held their annual pre-season test at Tri-Cities on May 30^th.

 

Grousing to Tacoma Bureau Chief Mary Ellen over there being no report on the sport’s official website! And how the Tri-cities Herald, which only publishes twice weekly seemed to be running a canned story from a year ago? Since it talked about Dave Villwock and another driver who aren’t racing anymore. To which she replied curtly; that’s because Hydroplanes are Dying!

 

Then around June 3rd, I suddenly thought the season kickoff should be occurring any day, Righto? Being surprised to learn that the Guntersville Hydrofest had been cancelled this year, say What?

 

Originally, it looked like my riveting No Fenders yearly preview would be somewhat abbreviated, due to the fact that my primary source H1 Unlimited’s website went “Dark” when visiting the page on June 17th. After there had been no new stories since April 8th. Before noticing the message on the Homepage saying a new website is coming, Huh?

 

Hopefully it will be far superior to RACER’s abomination! Which now over one year later, still isn’t WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) compliant! Meaning my screen reader cannot read any of the graphic titles or authors bio’s, being fairly annoying!

 

And that’s after multiple emails with two RACER staff members netting me zero improvement, Urgh!

 

Trying to follow IndyCar is a Hard Job!

 

Otay, rant over, as here’s what little I’d gleaned before the website went Dark. Although I was pleasantly surprised after more sleuthing, or was that sluicing upon Zed Intrawoods’. To learn that nine Hulls had been slated to participate at the Tri-cities test Wayback on May 30th.

 

Tri-Cities Entry list

(Boat #/Boat Name/Driver)

U-00 Maverick, J. Michael Kelly

U-1 BWR Racing, Andrew Tate

U-3 Tahoe Miss, Cory Peabody

U-6 Miss Madison, Brandon Kennedy

U-11 Miss Flav-r-Pac, Jamie Nilsen

U-12 Graham Trucking, Jeff Bernard

U-21 Spirit of America, Gunnar O’Farrell

U-27 Miss Apollo, Jimmy Shane

U-40 Bucket List Racing, Dylan Runn

 

The biggest news being the retirement of Dave Villwock at season’s end, being immediately replaced by the returning Jimmy Shane. As Bruce Rachford’s BWR Racing will have a potent two boat line-up with reigning, three times National High Points Champion (2018, 2024-2025) Andrew Tate proudly carrying the U-1 designation.

 

While Shane, a seven times National High Points Champion (2013-2017, 2019, 2022) was busy testing two Hulls at Kennewick, WA. The U-27 and U-127 Miss Apollo’s, trying to decide which Hull He felt most comfortable in, and which Hull He’ll campaign this season.

 

A five times APBA Gold cup winner, (2014-2015, 2017, 2019, 2021) Shane will be looking to break His tie with the legendous’ Gar Wood. While Tate has won the Gold Cup once in 2018.

 

Second biggest news was the announcement that Strong Racing has rebranded it’s two Hulls for this season, the former U-8 and U-9 now becoming the U-00 and U-3 in a nod to Unlimited history. With funding courtesy of Stephen Hayden and His Tahoe Unlimited museum.

 

Strong Racing rebrands for 2026 with U-00 Maverick and U-3 Tahoe Miss

 

As J. Michael Kelly (2016, 2023) and Cory Peabody (2022, 2024) have both won two Gold Cups apiece. With Kelly also claiming the 2009 and 2023 National High Points championships.

 

Peabody’s first Gold Cup triumph came at Shane’s expense. As Shane appeared to have won His sixth Gold Cup at Guntersville in 2022, only to be disqualified for going off-plane, (below 80mph)enabling Cory His first gold Cup Victory.

 

As H1 Unlimited eliminated the minimum 80mph Planing rule requirement in 2023.

 

Looks like the Miss Madison’s recovering from it’s financial hardship and will campaign a full season with backing from Royer and Goodwin Real Estate. As the latter was Tate’s U-91 primary sponsor last year…

 

Great news to hear that the U-40 Bucket List Racing from Snohomish, WA is returning after sitting out last year’s season. As not sure of either it’s Skipper Dylan Runn or Brendan Kennedy’s rookie status?

 

Although subsequently learned that Runn drove the Miss Madison’s U-6 Miss Home Street Bank in 2023 as Shane’s replacement. And Kennedy earned His rookie status last year also in the U-6 Miss Madison.

 

Whilst totally surprised over the return of the U-12 Graham Trucking which has been off the water for several years now. With returning veteran Skipper Jeff Bernard at the tiller.

 

Then there’s the driver I’d most like to see finally “break His Duck!” And get the Monkey off His back. As Jamie Nilsen and the U-11 crew are long overdue for a maiden Unlimited victory. And Nilsen’s always sniffing at the chequered flag…

 

Lastly is the U-21, which seems to have undergone another name change. But don’t look for the boat at Madison, at least that’s what Gunnar said when interviewed at Tri-Cities.

 

2026 H1 Unlimited Pre-season testing Driver interviews

 

If you’re wondering why I’ve eluded to Gold cup winners, its because with Guntersville’s cancellation, the Gold Cup at Madison, Indiana becomes this year’s season opener.

 

As the schedule consists of just four races, with Madison July 5th. Followed by the Warshington’ double, i.e.; Tri-Cities and Seattle. With Tri-Cities Water Follies taking place July 26th, and Seafair the following week on August 2^nd.

 

Then the season closes out once again in San Diego on Mission Bay, with the Bill Muncey Cup on September 20th.

 

There’s also a new scoring system, which I think now simply tallies all points collected from Qualie’ to Final Heats, but more later, since I’m flying “Blind” on that, Oh Never Mind! 

And now, All the remaining Open Wheel Seats are Filled

Testing-Testing, 1-2. Has Dale Coyne actually named His second driver, Cough-Cough?

 

Yeah Ladies ‘n Germs’, your two left Thumbs Scribe Tomaso is another day late, and definitely many dollars shorter after another enjoyable trek to thee Valley of the Sun! Without even realizing I was visiting during the IndyCar test at Phoenix Raceway.

 

Hence no riveting St Pete IndyCar recaps here Folks…

 

Perhaps its just Mwah, but does anybody ever notice how “Sharp” formula 1 is? And doesn’t waste time making decisions or announcing changes. Which perhaps is partially due to the scope of it being a multi-billions, as in “B” business…

 

Although we know that Dale Coyne will have to name its second, Err “lead” driver by February 8th, since IndyCar holds it’s first Open test on Sebring’s “Short” road course February 9-10, Righto?

 

Although perhaps Valentines Day is the new Halloween for Dale Coyne, Hya!

 

Meanwhile, Wayback’ on December 2nd, Red Bull announced the expected. That F1 rookie sensation Isack Hadjar would be moving up to the Big Bulls, replacing Yuki Tsunoda. And that 18yr old Arvid Lindblad would graduate to the ‘lil Bullz’, aka Racing Bulls as Liam Lawson’s new teammate.

 

While Tsunoda’s confined to the dubious role of test and reserve driver at Red Bull. And Arse-sumedly Racing Bulls? As Tsunoda’s contracted to Red Bull for 2026.

 

On Dec 4th, Haas announced that beginning in 2026, it would be renamed as TGR Haas F1 Team, thanks to an expanded partnership with Toyota. Who Haas already has a technical partnership with.

 

As TGR stands for Toyota Gazoo Racing, who are also title sponsors for Hitech’s Formula 2 and Formula 3 teams, beginning last year.

 

As Mucho Attenzione will be focused upon Hitech TGR’s F2 team this year, since Colton Herta will drive the team’s No. 3 entry. With rising Japanese Star Ritomo Miyata aboard the No. 4 spec Dallara F2 2024 Mecachrome racecar.

 

Then two days after season’s end, when the Post Abu Dhabi GP Young Drivers test was being held. (Dec 9th) Der Helmut’, aka Helmut Marco, Red Bull’s longtime special advisor and Junior Driver Impresario tendered His resignation after 20 years with Red Bull. Having been instrumental with bringing Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen to Red Bull Racing.

 

Helmet Marco leaves Red Bull

 

Although Der Helmut was also famously known for discarding Red Bull Junior drivers like tepid bathwater, Ja Volt!

 

Slinking back across thoust Gory Puddle. Stateside, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLLR) gave IndyCar rookie Mick Schumacher his first Oval test at Miami’s Homestead 1.5-mile Speedway, on February 4th.

 

“It was a great first day”, as Mick Schumacher completes first Oval laps at Homestead

 

The above article was posted on Racer.com, which refuses to update its website to comply with current Web Content Accessibility Guideline standards. Specifically WCAG 2.2 to enable ease of access for Blind or Visually Impaired readers.

 

Then as noted, the whole Enchilada gathered in Florida. When IndyCar held its first Open Test on Sebring’s “short” road course layout February 9-10.

 

Then, ten of the  previous year’s eleven IndyCar teams, excluding Prema Racing sent their transporters off to thee Valley of the Sun one week later. When IndyCar held its second Open test at Phoenix International Raceway. (PIR) Yeah, I know its just Phoenix Raceway or whatever now? But old habits die hard, especially having gone Thar over 30yrs ago for a CART IndyCar race, when Jack Vanilla, ergo Jacques Villeneuve tried taking out the Goodyear pedestrian crossover bridge!

 

VIDEO: 1994 Phoenix Hiro Matsushita Jacques Villeneuve Crash

 

Uhm, IndyCar held court on Phoenix’s 1.0-mile “Crooked” (Dog-leg) Oval between February 17-18, with new & improved Flintstone front tyres.

 

Interesting how IndyCar and Formula 1 pre-season testing overlapped, before IndyCar’s St Pete season opener on March 1st. Where ’Ol DJ WillyP’, ergo Will Power hop to be celebrating His 45th birthday in style with another trophy!

 

Then Formula 1 heads Down Under to Bloody Melbourne on March 8th for its season’s kickoff Australian Grand Prix. Where everyone whose got Apple TV will be curious over the new fangled F1 machinery…

 

And saying What About Me? MotoGP kicked off its season in Thailand on March 1st at Chang International Circuit in Buriram, another “Tilkie”, ergo Herman Tilke designed race course.

 

Oh yeah, almost forgot. Wasn’t that worth the wait to find out Romain Grosjean is Dale Coyne’s second driver? 

Don’t Forget about Indy NXT

Even if its one step below IndyCar’s…

 

Lost in All of the feverish anticipation over IndyCar finally coming out from underneath its shadow, and shaking off its stupendous six months winter’s slumber…

 

IndyCar’s “premiere” Feeder Series, Indy NXT also kicks off its season in Saint Petersburg, Florida, and sports a truly different flavour this year.

 

As new regulations allows for a maximum grid of 24 cars and teams being limited to four entries apiece. Having scribbled about the Grid changes previously, following last October’s Chris Griffis test.

 

Plenty to Take away from Annual Chris Griffis test

 

Although less than 60 days out, there were still five TBA seats on the grid. One at Cape Motorsports, half of HMD Motorsports and both Juncos Hollinger Racing (JHR) seats being unknown when I began scribblin’ this…

 

Ah contrair, Thar had been three more announcement, which I missed two-thirds of. Leaving just one seat at Cape and JHR still vacant…

 

I’ll surmise that this year’s championship scrum will be between sophomore Lochi Hughes and Myles Rowe, who’s entering His third season. As the duo finished third and fourth overall respectively last year. And the top two finishers; Dennis Hauger, the 2025 Indy NXT Champion. (6 wins) And Caio Collet, the runner-up, (3 wins) both have graduated to IndyCar this year.

 

Abel Motorsports (3+)

Abel Motorsports with Force Indy (1)

Can Abel Motorsports finally win a championship and stop the likes of Andretti and HMD Motorsports? As they were the only three teams to win races last year.

 

On “paper”, you’d have to say that Myles Rowe is the team leader. Having finished fourth overall last year upon scoring His first two Indy NXT wins in His sophomore season. Along with six podiums and 10 top-five finishes. Rowe finished just eight points adrift of Lochie Hughes, with a worst finish of 18th vs. Hughes P16.

 

Jordan Missig returns for His second full season campaign with the team, having finished ninth overall last season. While Colin Kaminsky returns to Abel after a year’s absence; Arse-sumedly due to financial constraints…

 

Whilst the team’s newest signing being of much interest. As Max Garcia spent two seasons in the USF2000 Championship driving for Pabst Racing. Culminated by winning the championship in His sophomore season. (2024)

 

Garcia then stomped the USF Pro 2000 competition enroute to the title with nine wins! And a total of 13 podiums as a rookie last year, Remaining with Past Racing.

 

Will Max give teammate Rowe, Lochie Hughes and the rest of the Indy NXT Grid Headaches this year fighting for the title?

 

A.J. Foyt Enterprises (2)

The storied racing team returns to Indy NXT competition after last competing fulltime in 2003, albeit running Jeff Simmons in a “One-off” at the 2004 Freedom 100. As Y’all remember when the Freedom 100 was arguably Indy Lights most exciting race of the year, Eh?

 

Although the Foyt entry is basically one of two HMD Motorsports “Satellite” squads, since they’re supplying the cars and equipment in alliance with Foyt. Thus adverting the new rule over only four cars per team entry, since HMD ran eight or more last year…

 

Foyt Racing returns with two unknown rookies. As cannot say I’m familiar with the names of either Nicholas Monteiro or Alessandro de Tullio. Although I did learn that de Tullio had been the second quickest rookie during last October’s Chris Griffis test. Finishing fifth overall, while Monteiro was P18 on the time sheets.

 

Although Monteiro races as a Brazilian, He was born in Pembroke Pines, Florida. With the 20yr old having made His single seater debut in the 2022 Brazilian F4 Championship, before moving to USF2000 the following year.

 

Monteiro contested three seasons of USF2000 for several teams. Finishing a career best of 10th overall last year, despite missing the final round at Portland.

 

De Tullio swept the Virginia International Raceway (VIR) weekend, winning all three races. Ending the 2023 season third overall in the USF2000 Championship, with a total of five wins.

 

Last year, Alessandro scored His maiden USF Pro 2000 victory at the St Pete Season opener. Ultimately winning four races and seven podiums enroute to fourth overall in the championship.

 

Andretti Global (4)

Once again, the Andretti Global Juggernaut comes loaded for Bear with another stout four-car entry. Having won the past two championships.

 

Aussie Lochi Hughes, who finished second fiddle to teammate Dennis Hauger. Claimed third overall His rookie season on the back of two wins, eight podiums and 10 top five finishes. Finishing just eight points ahead of Myles Rowe. (466-458)

 

Hughes returns to Andretti with three new teammates, with Sebastian Murray having finished P1 during the Chris Griffis test.

 

As Scottish teenager Murray began His single seater career in the UAE Formula 4 series, before graduating to the British GB3 Championship in 2024.

 

Last season, Murray raced for Andretti Cape Indy NXT, before being sidelined after a vicious Mid-Ohio incident. As Murray and teammate Ricardo Escotto “rubbed” wheels, sending Sebastian “cartwheeling,” before coming to a stop upside down in the middle of the track!

 

Max Taylor, who was second quickest at the test, graduates from USF Pro 2000. Finishing sixth overall with one win.

 

While Portland’s Josh Pierson, now in His fourth season was third quickest during the October test. Moving over from HMD Motorsports after three years. Claiming His best Indy NXT campaign at sixth overall. Including His breakout weekend at Laguna Seca.

 

Starting third in both races, Pierson scored His first series podium with third place Saturday. Then improved one place to second on Sunday, His career best finish to date.

 

Cape Motorsports Powered by ECR (2)

Due to the entrant teams restructuring, Andretti Global dropped its affiliation with Cape Motorsports and was replaced by Ed Carpenter Racing (ECR) this year.

 

Just days prior to this year’s Rolex 24, the team still hadn’t divulged its second driver. With only Nikita Johnson being named to the team’s No. 21 entry.

 

Johnson had a busy season last year. Racing abroad in Formula Oceania Regional, GB3 and Formula 3, also made selected starts in Indy NXT with HMD Motorsports. But preserved His rookie status doing so.

 

Johnson capped off the year by being the quickest rookie at the Chris Griffis test and fourth overall…

 

Interestingly, Nikita has been announced as one of RLL Team McLaren’s fulltime drivers for this year’s IMSA GTD Pro campaign. Partnering Max Esterson in the No. 59 Rahal McLaren 720S GT3 Evo entry, along with making His Rolex 24 debut this January. 

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 

F1: Post Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Young Drivers Test results

Y’all remember that test outing from last December, Don’t Yuhs?

 

Now that IMSA’s “Super bowl” 24 Hours of Daytona is somewhat in our rear view mirrors. And NASCAR Fans are getting wound-up over the impending Cookout clash, or whatever it’s called? And the impending Day-toner’ 500.

 

Lost in all of the Hubbub, is the fact that Formula One’s currently testing behind closed doors in Barcelona. Before a pair of three-day tests take place at Bahrain in February. Followed by the season opening Australian Grand Prix on March 8th.

 

Thus, suppose its time to shift gears and begin focusing upon Open Wheel Racing, Eh? Since after all this Blog is called No Fenders. Which I scribble about occasionally, Chuh-ching!

 

Yet as always, your Haggard, Humble No Fenders scribe Tomaso is behind thoust proverbial 8-ball! Definitely at least one lap down…

 

Garnering almost zero Attenzione, especially with last year’s title decider Showdown. Nonetheless, the yearly post Abu Dhabi Young Guns test results always intrigues me.

 

A total of twenty-five drivers took part. With teams allowed to run current Grands Prix drivers in their 2026 “Mule” Car, in order to finalize Pirelli tyre compounds for next year.

While the second chassis was the 2025 specification, allotted to drivers who’ve only participated in a maximum of two Grands Prix.

 

As the top five positions were held by Formula 1 “Young Guns”, albeit due to the 2026 Mule chassis designed to be slower then the contemporary racecars…

 

Bosom Buddies George Russell (Mercedes) and Max Verstappen, (Red Bull) along with both Aston Martin drivers Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll didn’t participate. With the other current 10 F1 teams splitting morning and afternoon sessions driving duties between their current two drivers.

 

Once again, Pato Who? Was seventh quickest overall, Ahem Mark Miles, cough-cough! Although who knows what testing programme Pato was carrying out, eh?

 

Rookies/Young Gun Drivers

(Overall position/Driver/Team)

1) Jack Crawford, Aston Martin

2) Paul Aron, Sauber/Audi

3) Luke Browning, Williams

4) Frederick Vesti, Mercedes

5) Ayumu Iwasa, Red Bull

7) Pato O’Ward, McLaren

8) Ryo Hirakawa, Haas

9) Dino Beganovic, Ferrari

17) Arvid Lindblad, Racing Bulls

22) Kush Maini, Alpine

 

Mercedes Kimi Antonelli was quickest of the regular season F1 drivers, in sixth place. (+1.404) With McLaren’s Oscar Piastri rounding out the Top 10. (+2.333)

 

Positions P11-15 were filled out by Lewis Hamilton, (Ferrari) Lando Norris, (McLaren) Alex Albon, (Williams) Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) and Carlos Sainz. (Williams)

 

Although I wouldn’t “read” too much into the results, especially with the Haas’s of Oliver Bearman and Esteban Ocon some four and seven-plus seconds behind. Which surely won’t be the case come March in Melbourne…

 

2025 F1 Post Abu Dhabi Test results

 

Once again, the lone Yank’ on the grid was Jack Crawford, having finished runner-up to Leonardo Fornaroli in the 2025 Formula 2 Championship, driving for Dams Lucas Oil. Set to become Aston Martin’s latest reserve driver this season. As Felipe Drugovich departs for a Formula E race seat at Andretti Global for the 2025-26 season.

 

Frederik Vesti continues racing as Cadillac Whelen Engineering’s “third” endurance driver. Aboard the No. 31 Cadd-Oh-Lac’ V-Serioes.R IMSA GTP racecar. Alongside Jack “Achey Breaky” Aitken, Earl Bamber and Connor Zilisch.

 

As 19yr old teenager NASCAR Cup rookie Zilisch was making His IMSA GTP Rolex 24 debut. Having won both the Rolex 24 and 12 Hours of Sebring in LMP2 in 2024 driving for Era Motorsport.

 

Aitken, who made one Grand Prix start for Williams in Bahrain, 2020. Had His pole winning time deleted. As the car was disqualified for its rear skid block falling underneath the minimum clearance allowance and started P11.

 

Aitken got off to a rocky start. Given a Drive-thru penalty for jumping an early race’s full course caution. But redeemed Himself nicely over the race’s final hour’s stint. Hounding Felipe Nasr for the win, coming up just a scant 1.569 seconds short of victory!

 

Red Bull’s newest Circus Maximus’ (Verstappen) “wingman” Isack Hadjar made His debut for the Big Bulls’, presumably getting up to speed. Since I’d like to not read too much into His P21 result, +3.749 seconds adrift…

 

Meanwhile, Newbie’ Arvid Lindblad, who’s made FP session outings for both Red Bull and Racing Bulls in 2025, tested fir Racing Bulls, where the 18 year old will be the only rookie on this year’s F1 Grid.

 

Of the ten Young Guns participating, only three were new “recruits”. With the appropriately named Dino Beganovic at la Scuderia, and Kush Maini at Alpine. Along with the aforementioned Lindblad.

 

21yr old Swede’ Beganovic made His Formula 2 debut at season’s end, alongside Jack Craford at DAMS Lucas Oil.

 

For 2025, He switched to Hitech TGR, as teammate to Luke Browning. Beganovic scored His maiden pole position at Imola, and captured His first F2 win during the Baku Sprint race.

 

Dino is a member of the Ferrari Driver Academy, having joined in 2020. Making His Formula 1 debut at Barcelona, last January aboard an SF23. Before making His (Free Practice) FP session debut at the 2025 Bahrain Grand Prix.

 

A further FP outing occurred at Spielberg, before completing 122 laps during the post Abu Dhabi GP test. While Dino’s “Day Job” for 2026 will be racing for DAMS Lucas Oil in F2.

 

Kush Maini is the younger brother of Arjun Maini; Santino Ferrucci’s Bosom Buddy! As Maini became a member of the Alpine Driver Academy in 2023. Getting His first crack behind the wheel of a Formula 1 racecar at Spielberg, driving an Alpine A522.

 

Further test outings followed, before joining the logjam of test and reserve drivers for Alpine last year. Then at Abu Dhabi, He drove a current Alpine A525 for the first time, running 128 laps.

 

Maini has made 81 starts in Formula 2, with two wins, seven podiums and one pole. And will contest His fourth F2 season this year for ART Grand Prix. 

IGTC: Power makes Tintops’ Debut

With His heavier Merc’ feeling like a Waltzing Matilda over the Brickyard’s road course…

 

Although I didn’t get to tune-in or hear any of the weekend’s action at Mother Speedway Wayback’ in October.

 

Nonetheless, I was happy that DJ willyP’, ergo Will Power knocked off some of the rust during His enforced Team Penske contract “sabbatical” by making His belated Sports Car debut during the Intercontinental GT Challenge’s (IGTC) Indianapolis 8 Hours season finale on October 18th.

 

As Power joined team owner Kenny Habul and Supercars driver Chad Moster aboard the 75 Express’s No. 75 Mercedes-AMG GT3 Pro entry.

 

Interestingly, Moster currently drives for Walkinshaw Andretti Racing Down Under in the Supercars series, Just Sayin’.

 

As many know the back-story of how Power was supposed to make His IMSA GTD debut during the 2023 Rolex 24 driving for Habul. But His wife Liz’s serious Health issues kept Power from participating…

 

As Power said it was a little bit Awkward initially piloting the Merc’, before settling down to a rhythm on a racecourse He knows pretty well.

 

“Felt Very Awkward”: Will Power on first Endurance outing in 21 years of IndyCar racing

 

Yet Power wasn’t the only IndyCar driver participating. As former Juncos Hollinger Racing driver Conor Daly finished fourth, two places ahead of Power. As Conor brought the Random Vandals #99 BMW M4 GT3 Evo to the chequered flag, co-driving with full season drivers Connor de Phillippi and Kenton Koch.

 

While the race was Wet ‘n wooly, finishing under caution. As the race was interrupted by nearby area Lightning strikes and torrential rain, with a lengthy Red flag period.

 

As it was another Big name at the sharp end. With Thee doctor’, aka Valentino Rossi and company winning overall. As Rossi, Kelvin van der Linde and Charles Weerts drove their No. 46 Team WRT BMW M4 GT3 Evo to victory over the Yard of Bricks. Which Y’all can read all of the Gory details in the link below.

 

Van der Linde wins Historic title treble in Stormy Indianapolis 8 Hours

 

Whilst Power and Company’s sixth place finish ensured Habul of capturing the IGTC Independent Cup title when scoring His second class victory.

 

Meanwhile, Kelvin van der Linde won the IGTC Drivers Championship for the fourth time, while His co-driver Valentino rossi claimed His first IGTC victory. And in doing so, has now won both on two wheels and four at Mother Speedway. Which I don’t know if anybody else can say that?

 

As Kelvin is the younger brother of Sheldon van der Linde, who drove for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing’s IMSA GTP Werks’ BMW M8 prototype. Which Team WRT takes over next year while keeping the current drivers line-ups intact.

 

Including the likes of Kevin Bacon’ Magnussen; former Formula 1 driver and “One-off” IndyCar driver. Who also raced for Chip Ganassi Racing in Sports cars when they ran the Cadillac GTP programme.

 

Next, I somehow accidentally “spotted” the news that DJ WillyP’, ergo Will Power had participated in the IMSA test at Daytona during November 14-16, in preparation for next year’s Rolex 24.

 

Again, Power was part of the 75 Express Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo crew, with team owner Kenny Habul and Mercedes Werks’ Hotschue’ Mickael Grenier. With the trio set to compete in the GTD Pro category at Daytona this coming January 24-25.

 

As Power mused, His move from Team Penske to Andretti Global has opened the door for more driving opportunities…