Welcome to the RACER mailbag. Questions for RACER’s writers will be despatched to: mailbag@racer.com. We welcome your feedback and opinions, however letters with questions usually tend to be revealed. Questions acquired after 3:00 PM EST every Monday might be saved for the next week.
Q: One other journey purchaser was chosen as a substitute of a longtime racer. Connor Daly is head and shoulders above Sting Ray Robb. Rob is among the worst, if not the worst. of The worst half is the expertise within the IndyCar paddock. This sequence is not about fan favorites like Conor Daly, who in all probability likes shifting chicanes. Dave O’Neill needs to be ashamed of himself!
Muncie Preston Proctor
Marshall Pruett: Rob had an enforceable contract and held the workforce to that settlement. Needing to be extra aggressive, the workforce tried to barter an early divorce. Hmm.
Juncos Hollinger Racing had a convertible obtainable for Daly or one other driver, however selected to chop Conner. It is a workforce challenge, not a Sting Ray challenge.
I might wager that the departure numbers had been too painful for the workforce to swallow, so that they opted to journey out the ultimate season with Sting Ray as a substitute of paying him some (or all) of his rumored $9 million to unlock a seat. He desires to be an IndyCar driver and has nice backers who help his dream. If he needed to race in IMSA GTP or LMP2 he would already be there full-time and which may be the place Rob’s long-term future lies, however he might be an open wheeler till at the least 2026.
If Rob accepts the buyout, he might be out of IndyCar instantly. There’s just one seat left (of Coin) and Dale has different plans for the automotive, so the second yr of his two-year contract is a lifeline to staying within the sequence. I like a person who fights so laborious to seize what he is been chasing most of his life.
I’ve no downside with Stingrays being in IndyCar so long as he’s eligible to race and does not degrade himself by always crashing or getting in the best way of quicker drivers. Final season he appeared to slot in fairly properly in that regard and that is all I can hope for.
However I perceive. It is easy to hate the drivers you are paying to hate, particularly those that drive towards you.
We will ask IndyCar to take away them from the sequence, and add in drivers who’ve by no means received, and drivers who’ve received earlier than however will not win once more except a miracle occurs, and we’re left with seven drivers who will qualify in 2025 and a handful remaining who can nonetheless get the job performed. So will we be chopping bait with the opposite 17 who cannot attain victory lane like Sting Ray?
Q: Arvid Lindblad was lately introduced because the alternative for Yuki Tsunoda at Crimson Bull. Will Buxton then invited Yuki to IndyCar.
I can perceive wanting expertise in IndyCar, and I do not thoughts that that expertise is made up of former F1 drivers. I really like IndyCar and particularly the five hundred. My great-grandfather raced and have become an IMS officer. I’ve worn the yellow shirt alongside my father and brother for over 30 years. I am on hook, line, and sinker, however I can not assist however really feel a bit of uncomfortable in regards to the notion that somebody who’s been in F1 has been invited to IndyCar. Sure, I do know that is a conflicting perspective.
They will not achieve success in F1 and can by no means return to F2, however why not give IndyCar an opportunity? From their viewpoint, it is smart.
I need the perfect racing, however I additionally really feel that IndyCar is the primary cease for a retired F1 driver. Is IndyCar and its expertise’s fame diminished by what looks as if a continuing consumption of F1? In fact, not all present drivers are Tier 1, however nonetheless…
What do you assume?
Dave, Milwaukee Space
MP: That is been the fact of IndyCar for the reason that Eighties, so I am considerably insensitive to the unfavourable connotations of IndyCar being a touchdown spot for former F1 drivers. Sports activities vehicles, lengthy a sanatorium for former IndyCar and F1 drivers, have the identical actual and perceptual challenges.
Though he wasn’t the primary, Emerson Fittipaldi actually stood out as a giant title in F1 to make the transition to IndyCar and discover success. There have been many extra in comparable positions, however with a lot smaller careers and profiles in F1. Roberto Guerrero. Jan Lammers. Derek Daly.
Some, like Teo Fabi, had expertise right here in different sequence earlier than going to F1 and instantly returned for the CART IndyCar alternative. Danny Sullivan got here right here and did F1 for a bit of bit after which went again residence to chase IndyCar. That is only a small pattern of the Eighties.
Yuki could be an ideal slot in IndyCar with the precise workforce. At Foyt subsequent to Santino, he’ll have a blast with two of essentially the most outspoken drivers as teammates. I am extra all for his profile and what it may possibly do for IndyCar.
It was no secret that Mick Schumacher, who signed with RLL, turned IndyCar’s hottest driver when it comes to social media followers world wide. No disrespect to Mick, however he final raced in F1 in 2022. Yuki has an enormous fan base and I wish to shine that highlight on IndyCar.
Has a helmet however cannot journey: Tsunoda says Crimson Bull is giving him a tough time racing subsequent yr. Jace Illman/Getty Pictures
Q: I hope Penske Leisure noticed the Eddie Cue interview after the Apple F1 rights announcement. He famous that Apple is utilizing iPhone to seize distinctive digital camera views throughout MLB video games to create totally different viewing experiences. On this case, an iPhone was strapped to a foul pole, supplying you with a complete new viewing angle for foul balls.
As well as, an iPhone was used to acquire particular angles for the F1 film from contained in the automotive. The packaging necessities for an iPhone or its elements are very small, giving groups and producers loads of room for experimentation.
The price of creating an thrilling and particular viewing expertise is coming down, and IndyCar needs to be paying consideration.
A number of the tv manufacturing strategies in Matt’s letter within the December 3 mailbag might be addressed through the use of off-the-shelf expertise in inventive methods.
For IndyCar, these alternatives look like low-hanging fruit that can add new luster to the viewers expertise in 2026.
Sean, Berwyn, Illinois
MP: All true. That is one among my previous rants that will get shared yearly or two on IndyCar however by no means goes wherever. Open guidelines for Apple, Google, Samsung and different tech firms to deliver their telephones/tablets/screens into the cockpit and elsewhere to take part within the sequence. Get the workforce to exit and signal a contract.
Let the money-hungry paddock profit from opening up the electronics facet. I’ve nothing in opposition to Cosworth manufacturing information techniques and steering wheel shows, however having Cosworth as a spec provider does not assist anybody however IndyCar.
LG, Panasonic, Sony and others may all do enterprise with the sequence and their groups to introduce current or new customized expertise, relatively than promoting distribution rights to a single vendor with no business profile.
Streaming in-car footage through an iPhone 18 in Palou’s automotive, and streaming in-car from a Google telephone subsequent to Pato O’Ward coming into Flip 1… whereas getting sprint data from cool screens supplied by each manufacturers. It is not sensible to ban this.
Q: How a couple of Mount Rushmore of worst-funded drivers? No? Right now is a vacation and are we being form as a substitute of being imply? That is good. Foyt, Mario, and Mears all appear apparent, however all of them existed earlier than I used to be born. I discover Scott Dixon bland and boring (apart from his gasoline tank by no means emptying), however I can not deny the concept he in all probability belongs on IndyCar’s Mount Rushmore. Ask me once more about Alex Palou in a number of years.
Ryan, West Michigan
MP: Jean-Pierre Frey is the worst Corridor of Famer. Dr. Jack, King Hyros, and Mirkas are additionally there – at the least within the trendy wing.
If it had been a Mount Rushmore of superstar drivers, I may not embody Dixon, but when he retires I might take away Montoya from No. 4 on the Kiwi checklist. His work is not performed, and I nonetheless do not know the way to contextualize the sheer greatness of his profession, however I am keen to attend.
And Parow definitely has the runway to earn a spot on the mountain.
Q: I’ve pushed an IH-35W from Fort Price to Denton frequently since 2010. Again then, there was solely Alliance Airport, the Marriott, TMS, and a truck cease alongside the freeway. There at the moment are 1000’s of McMansions, a whole bunch of Mcwarehouses (excuse me, distribution facilities)…and TMSs.
What made me surprise is that “Auto Membership Speedway” was additionally focused on the identical basic viewers, but it surely now not exists there. Changed by logistics, warehousing, and so on. How way back did a developer make Speedway Motorsports a suggestion for TMS that they could not refuse? Preserve the condos, construct a pond for lakefront residing, and degree the remaining.
What do you say?
Damon Hines
MP: Nicely, that is a miserable actuality. Final weekend I got here throughout a bunch of previous occasion packages. Amongst them was TMS’ first IndyCar/Truck observe launch program in 1997. It is a nostalgic reminiscence.
Trying on the present calendar of main occasions, this gigantic house is minimally used. I have been to TMS earlier than there was something round me, so admittedly, the sheer proliferation of objects encroaching on the premises is tough to disregard. I do not declare to know what its funds are like, however I think about will probably be torn down for an AI server farm or one thing as soon as the Might cup headline go to and different actions each few months are now not sufficient to make a revenue. It is a disgrace as a result of the times of two races, NASCAR and IndyCar, really feel like they existed without end in the past.
So long as actual property builders do not understand how a lot housing, procuring malls, and information facilities they’ll construct there, we’ll be fantastic. James Gilbert/Getty Pictures
Q: Studying what number of drivers in F1 are glad to be performed with floor results vehicles, I have been serious about the issues that they had on this period of IndyCar. As I recall, the Dallara DW-12 was designed to make the most of floor results to allow shut racing. It appears to have labored properly and I do not keep in mind having any issues with porpoises at Dallara. Why did not IndyCar have the identical issues that F1 had? (a) Dallara generates much less downforce from floor results than F1, (b) IndyCar groups are so restricted in what they’ll do with their vehicles that they have not brought about issues with further aerodynamic bits, (c) one thing else, or (d) all the above?
Paul Lewis, Macon, Georgia
MP: For the previous 45 years, almost all IndyCars have utilized floor results with underwings that generate important downforce. Porpoises had been a difficulty within the early Eighties when skirts had been used to seal the sidepods in CART IndyCar designs, however they had been shortly eliminated by guidelines.
Porpoises can happen on any automotive that makes use of floor results. open wheels, sports activities vehicles, and so on. This can be a low journey top function that controls that journey top. If the entrance journey top is lowered an excessive amount of, there might be no air below the wing, downforce might be misplaced, the entrance of the automotive will flip up, air will start to circulation below the wing once more, will probably be pulled down once more, no air might be provided, and the bucking bronco routine will start. It has nothing to do with how a lot downforce Dallara has.
Ten groups will construct their very own F1 vehicles utilizing ten utterly totally different aerodynamic designs. Its efficiency is set by its extremely low journey top. When the brand new components debuted in 2022, many F1 vehicles had porpoise issues, however some didn’t. Given time and large quantities of cash, these groups solved the aerodynamic downside. Dallara produces a single IndyCar mannequin. Though it should work in decrease journey heights, it isn’t designed to work in small journey top home windows on knife edges the place porpoises generally is a downside.
Q: Was Dale Coyne’s lengthy delay in naming a second driver attributable to him ready to substantiate Yuki Tsunoda’s standing at Crimson Bull? Can we anticipate an announcement that Yuki might be appointed to the place? I doubt he has the choice of staying in F1. Will Honda affect this determination?
dave
MP: No, Dale was by no means ready for Yuki. It was the newest shitty rumor that too many individuals have allowed to exist on social media. As a result of who does not like rumors with zero credibility? Tsunoda has been confirmed as Crimson Bull’s reserve and said that his contract would by no means enable him to go away.
Q: Final week, in response to a query from Tsunoda, you mentioned Honda does not intend to spend $8 million to $10 million on a brand new driver within the last yr of the engine contract. Does that indicate that Honda will finish after 2026, or was it referring to Honda’s last yr? the present Engine contract?
bob
MP: Sorry, Bob. I ought to have opened myself up extra absolutely. The reply had nothing to do with whether or not Honda would stay after 2026.
Honda has been speaking to IndyCar about staying and chopping prices to remain, and spending a lot cash on sponsoring a driver appears dangerous and could be a horrible negotiating technique.
It is laborious to be taken severely when he spends his free time on pointless frivolities, and regardless of his love for Yuki, he does not really feel needed. If Honda’s driver workforce is weak, I can perceive that the corporate would wish to spend their very own cash to enhance the scenario, however Honda completed 1st, third, 4th, sixth, seventh, and eighth (sixth out of the highest 8) within the drivers’ rankings and escaped with the producers’ title. Throwing cash at drivers is frequent, however not this time.
Q: What thought course of goes into pit field choice? I’ve seen some sequence use lack of pit choice as a penalty. Is there actually a giant benefit to be gained from pit choice, or is it only a small penalty?
Stephen, Las Cruces, New Mexico
MP: It is dependent upon the sequence, however sure, basically, it is helpful to have a selection of pit stalls. Whether or not it is first (closest to the pit exit) and nobody in entrance of you so you possibly can hearth instantly with out having to make sharp turns and lose time to keep away from hitting the crew or tires, pitting in an open spot (the primary field after the pit wall breaks), or just being able with probably the greatest groups within the pits (which often means you are much less more likely to be held again by parking errors on both facet or by crew errors), there’s actual worth. You’ve gotten a say in the place you’re employed within the pit lane.
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There are clear benefits to having a pit stall choice. Chris Owens/Penske Leisure
Q: How’s the vitality and (extra importantly) ticket gross sales going for the Arlington Grand Prix in 4 months? Is it seemingly that I will be writing the phrase “Unlucky Arlington Grand Prix Occasion” in my column within the subsequent few years? I am questioning if a fan within the Midwest contemplating a visit to a brand new IndyCar race within the western United States would possibly really select to journey to Phoenix over Arlington. I lean that approach too. What are your expectations for Jerry’s Race at this level?
Mark Founds, Mason, Ohio
MP: I spoke with Invoice Miller, president of Arlington GP, final week and he mentioned they plan to promote all 35,000 common tickets and hope to promote as much as 50,000 with all hospitality suite friends.
It is a new and attention-grabbing occasion, so there’s loads of vitality behind it. I can not reply the query as we speak whether or not will probably be just like the Baltimore Grand Prix, which was an amazing efficiency however crashed and burned after three runs. Revenue is required by way of ticket gross sales and adversarial suite gross sales. Company help needs to be supplied on an ongoing foundation, not simply within the first yr. When these ranges decline, you’ll finally die.
I’m hopeful that the primary version might be wonderful and that we’ll see overwhelmingly optimistic outcomes. But it surely was our first date. What issues is whether or not the vitality and keenness of town, the Cowboys, the Rangers, the followers and the sponsors continues to be there by the third, fourth and fifth installments. There are too many huge, new, nice venues disappearing. I hope this has some permanence.
Q: I’ve two fast questions. First, will Will Energy attend the Andretti World Christmas Celebration or the Group Penske Christmas Celebration? Second, the longer Honda pronounces that they are going to keep, the extra fearful I grow to be. Do you assume there may be nothing to announce because the negotiations are nonetheless ongoing, or has the choice been made and Honda and IndyCar hoping to announce it by 2026?
Chris F., Charleston, SC
MP: Do you rejoice Christmas along with your ex-wife or do you spend the vacations along with your new spouse? I hope it is the latter, as a result of if you happen to make that mistake your new spouse may grow to be your subsequent ex-wife.
Chevrolet has not but said that it’ll proceed past 2026, so Chevrolet and Honda will both should announce whether or not they are going to keep or depart, or in the event that they have not already performed so, they should work out a deal to remain.
IndyCar wants Chevrolet and Honda greater than IndyCar. A wise enterprise technique is for one or each events to proceed this case and attempt to acquire essentially the most favorable phrases. I can not say if it has something to do with the wait time, however they don’t have anything to realize by dashing the signature.
Q: What are the possibilities of IndyCar returning to Pocono or Kansas? I might actually hate to see a low downforce setup used solely every year. Additionally, what about the potential of the Freedom 100 coming again?
austin
MP: Freedom 100 is lifeless to demise. blown to items. IndyCar has returned to all types of locations that disappeared from the schedule, so I am not saying by no means, however I’ve but to listen to of any plans to return to any of these ovals.
Q: One story that appears to have disappeared is Michael Andretti’s departure from the workforce that bears his title. The main points of what led to his departure appeared to be a intently guarded secret on the time, and solely a restricted quantity of data was leaked to color a optimistic image for everybody concerned. It is laborious to consider that Michael left with out being pushed.
It has been some time and there are in all probability further leaks leaking out inside the paddock space, however may you please present some perception into what really occurred behind the scenes?
John, Visalia, California
MP: Nothing apart from what all of us wrote extensively when it occurred. As recorded a yr in the past, Michael left the workforce shortly after Andretti World/TWG Motorsports/Cadillac was cleared to enter F1.
Q: I have been studying about adjustments coming to the Renaissance Middle in downtown Detroit. GM is shifting ahead with plans to maneuver its headquarters to a brand new Detroit tower on the Hudson. Town additionally plans to start demolition of the Renaissance Middle’s two towers closest to the river in spring 2027. The present Grand Prix course runs behind these two towers. Does this imply they will should construct a brand new circuit elsewhere downtown for the 2027 race? And is there an opportunity they will return to Belle Isle?
Rick Schneider, Charlotte
MP: I requested you about this a number of months in the past, and what you mentioned was that earlier than we may give you a tough reply on whether or not or not it will have an effect on racing, we have to get nearer to the fact of it.
Q: If PREMA doesn’t return to full-time IndyCar racing in 2026, do you assume the workforce will deliver again part-time entries? Will this occur quickly, or will there be solely 25 constitution entries subsequent season, with part-timers becoming a member of in 2027? Will groups attempt to by some means coordinate to not deliver greater than two complete further entries into every race apart from the Indy 500?
Stephen, Las Cruces, New Mexico
MP: By way of its constitution program, IndyCar capped the beginning subject at 27 folks for all races besides the Indy 500. So, if PREMA disbands, that spot will grow to be vacant. However provided that Penske Leisure desires to maintain it vacant. That is the primary query as a result of Penske is thought to need a smaller grid, and plenty of groups need smaller grids in an effort to extend the worth of their charters by creating extra exclusivity.
In any other case, if beginning positions 26 and 27 are open, I can consider a number of groups that might wish to fill these spots with further vehicles.
Q: Is it regular for DCR to announce one driver a month earlier than the primary inexperienced flag of the season?
Dino, New Hanover, Pennsylvania
MP: I do not assume so. As we have now mentioned for a while, Romain Grosjean is assumed to take the pole place seat, and there are different gamers who may additionally accomplish that. An extended timeline was required to finish a number of massive enterprise objects earlier than finishing the puzzle with driver bulletins.
Q: I might like to see a listing of the highest 10 energetic drivers in all types of motorsports. (Let’s stick with 4 wheels). Come to consider it, I might like to see yours, Chris and Kelly’s, simply to see how a lot (or little) there may be overlap…
Randy, Milwaukee
MP: Kyle Larsson, Alex Palou, Max Verstappen, Nick Tandy, Isaac Hajjar, James Calado, Shane van Gisbergen, Antonio Garcia, Kyle Kirkwood, Oliver Bearman. and that i take 11th Together with Tony Stewart.
Most of my monsters are versatile, have appeared outdoors of the primary sequence, and all cost ahead. You may’t take your eyes off them.
Chris Medland: We may actually spend days debating this, but it surely appears such as you really should submit a response to make the mailbag public…
OK, I am clearly going to lean in the direction of F1, however I hope not utterly. I might say: Verstappen, Larsson, Palou, Alonso, Dixon, Norris, Rovanpera, Leclerc, Hamilton. Van Gisbergen.
It is actually laborious to order it, however for most individuals, it is the flexibility that will get them right here, not simply what they do in the primary sequence, however the truth that they present what they’ll do elsewhere. And lots of of those embody first-time/full-time non-category wins and extremely aggressive working.
To be sincere, Verstappen is clearly on the prime of the checklist in my e book (I might like to see him compete in opposition to non-F1 names in that class), however there are such a lot of high quality drivers now past the primary three on this checklist that it feels very replaceable.
The truth that I did not embody Hamilton right here speaks volumes in regards to the season he had, and I may not embody him in six months. However I am giving him the advantage of the doubt that it is a momentary decline in a brand new setting and never a decline.
Kelly Crandall: My checklist is in no specific order: Kyle Larson, Denny Hamlin, Scott Dixon, Max Verstappen, Austin Pulock, Shane van Gisbergen, Alex Palou, Doug Kalitta, Christopher Bell, Connor Girish.
(ED: For these retaining tabs, Verstappen, Larsson, Palou and Van Gisbergen bought 3 votes every, Dixon bought 2 votes and the vast majority of single vote getters)
Q: Full disclosure: I’ve by no means been a fan of Sir Louis, however after his one dash race win for the Scuderia this yr, I believe his shelf life has expired. Possibly it is time to let your younger bear man strive it out?
Yanni Pollier
CM: I believe Bearman is doing all the precise issues to be a future Ferrari driver, however I additionally assume 2026 is simply too early for that. It has been a really troublesome season for Hamilton, however he has proven some good kind in the midst of the season that means what is feasible when he and Ferrari work collectively.
The most important downside for Ferrari is that Hamilton’s victory within the China Dash was his solely P1 end this season, giving him zero Grand Prix wins. If subsequent yr is a nasty yr for each events, then Hamilton may depart on the finish of the yr, or it might be a powerful automotive that does not actually carry out properly, but when the automotive continues to be aggressive, I anticipate him to do properly.
It could be good for Bearman to get one other yr of improvement at Haas. Though he has had some nice performances at instances this season, he nonetheless made some errors and had an unusually sluggish weekend. Ideally, it’s best to iron out any wrinkles earlier than stepping as much as your Ferrari.
Q: Provided that Toyota Gazoo Racing has acquired Haas title sponsorship, is Toyota gaining workforce possession or are they pleased with the model publicity they’re getting? (Not that they want it).
M.J.W.
CM: I can say that Toyota is gaining workforce possession, however that does not imply it is positively going to occur. Larger involvement and funding will assist them perceive what it takes to grow to be a full constructor workforce once more sooner or later, and put Gene Haas in pole place (pun meant) to debate such a transfer if he desires to promote.
Nevertheless, Gene has by no means mentioned he desires to promote, relatively the alternative, and Toyota might imagine {that a} title sponsor is the perfect place to be. To grow to be a full constructor, an influence unit could be required, and it could be unusual for Toyota to put in a Ferrari engine in any other case, so I believe it is nonetheless a good distance off earlier than it is really severely thought of.
Toyota could also be all for an acquisition, however Gene Haas does not appear all for a sale. Andy Horn/Getty Pictures
Q: I have been writing in regards to the F1 Apple TV deal, and I do not assume I’ve seen sufficient recognition in any publication when analyzing how good or dangerous this deal is. And truthful warning: I am firmly within the dangerous camp on this challenge.
However I might like to start out by acknowledging the plain benefits. For those who used F1 TV to observe F1, it is a nice deal for you, whether or not you have already got an Apple TV or not. Apple TV subscriptions (as of this writing, I do not assume they will keep that approach for lengthy) price the identical $12.99 per thirty days as F1 TV Fundamental, however you get F1 TV Premium for that value.
The issue is ESPN’s viewers. Sure, even TV service over the Web is far more costly than Apple TV, however what is not talked about, and what Liberty positively does not need us to assume, is that only a few folks purchased cable, satellite tv for pc, or TV service over the Web only for F1 on ESPN/ABC. The overwhelming majority of TV viewers aren’t keen to desert the service and all the things else they take pleasure in on TV simply to leap on Apple TV only for F1. Even fewer folks will wish to add the fee to their current TV/streaming bundle.
The large downside is that Apple TV has the fewest subscribers of any mainstream streaming service obtainable within the U.S., with an estimated 10 million fewer subscribers than Hulu, which presents TV choices over the Web.
And to be clear, “By “mainstream” we imply people who supply a variety of programming that probably appeals to the lots, versus very slender or single-focused, area of interest streaming providers like FloRacing or Crunchyroll.
Moreover, Apple had a tough time getting folks to join Apple TV when it supplied it free of charge on Apple gadgets. Moreover, viewership (and transparency) considerations led MLS to resolve early termination of its Apple TV contract.
Not solely is it a very nice deal for F1 TV customers, however whenever you have a look at all the things about this deal, it’s totally laborious to discover a purpose to price it positively. My brother already has an F1 TV Professional and an Apple TV, so he is taking full benefit of this, however even he cannot get enthusiastic about it as a result of he is seeing the identical issues I am having. I strongly suspect that he’s the one one who notices this and advantages from it. In his phrases, “All their momentum went into the wall at full throttle, and so they forgot to placed on the tire barrier.”
I could also be extra of an IndyCar fan than F1, however I’ve loads of love for F1 and it could be actually unhappy to see F1 abandon all the things after lastly cracking the code to rising F1 in America.
components fox
CM: General I agree with you. One other side is that F1 will not be broadcast randomly in a restaurant or bar that has ESPN however no Apple TV. Due to this fact, there might be no secondary/passive viewers there.
However the protection itself can degree up with extra funding, and in contrast to an MLS contract, there aren’t any further prices to observe F1 on Apple TV, so there are another advantages as properly. I am additionally hopeful that this partnership might be leveraged far past the published (on apps, Apple gadgets, and so on.), however I’ve to confess that I doubt it should outweigh the viewership misplaced from ESPN.
As I’ve written earlier than, one among my different complaints with each the ESPN deal and this Apple deal is the shortage of bespoke protection tailor-made to the market. High quality reporting deserves correct funding, and we hope that occurs in 2027.
Q: Stefano Domenicali talked about growing sprints sooner or later. It made me surprise…could not they’ve performed fairly a bit of harm to F1? The usual in F1 is dominant vehicles/drivers, not shut championships. What would occur if you happen to maintained your dominant combo once more for 5 years whereas nonetheless racing extra?
I perceive his level, and I agree with him. However F1 might be severely broken by the additional races except it will get nearer grids extra usually. The DTS transformation of F1 introduced in celebrities and made the drivers well-known. Nevertheless, it was not a detailed battle. F1 needs to be extra cautious about this sort of considering.
F1’s numbers have clearly elevated for the reason that finish of the season. However when not… 23 years felt like a very very long time with 24 rounds and 6 sprints…
I have been watching since 1995. If a automotive sounds and appears good, it may possibly survive a boring season (however there hasn’t been a handsome automotive since 2009, a good-sounding automotive since 2014, and the season was brief). However my concern is with the momentum of 26 years. After nearly simply Mercedes and Ferrari, we now have yet one more workforce and producer. As an F1 fan, I am very glad. And I am additionally fearful that it will not final lengthy. We all know that to take care of this momentum, shut video games should grow to be the norm. However what can F1 do to attain that?
One thought that might match into F1’s improvement wars could be to adapt the ’21 improvement token. These are referred to as improve tokens. Beginning within the third or fifth spherical, groups begin getting them for every race. The additional again you go, the extra tokens you obtain. All championship primarily based. So as to add upgrades, spend tokens. That approach, the workforce will proceed to work on the automotive all yr spherical anyway.
So ATR is already doing that and giving loads of advantages to the groups on the again. But it surely does not work that properly. DRS (and MOM in ’26) work equally, giving their successors some benefit. Why not prolong it?
The grid is unquestionably nearer. However whether or not it is the race or the top of the yr, it is nonetheless the identical previous historical past. F1 must do extra. Particularly in the event that they put themselves on the market extra within the races.
William Mazzeo
CM: William, I agree with you that you do not really need sprints, however I am not fearful about dropping future momentum. A giant purpose why extra producers and groups wish to take part is as a result of they now get a return on their funding, in contrast to earlier than. With a value cap, the workforce is worthwhile and value billions of {dollars}. And, as you say, we nonetheless have efficiency vehicles to match.
Additionally, I believe the indicators are what we have already got. On the time the 2022 automotive was developed, the fee cap wasn’t absolutely in play (it had already began, but it surely was very new and smaller groups nonetheless had loads of infrastructure to put money into). Due to this fact, the influence might be even better in 2026, and moreover, ATR will certainly assist stop the hole from widening through the season.
My expectation is that we’ll have a better subject than typical when rules begin subsequent yr. Not the entire subject, however at the least close to the entrance, and it ought to get even higher from there.
Are there too many sprints? Kim Ilman/Getty Pictures
Q: In hindsight, McLaren’s determination to swap Oscar and Lando’s positions at Monza due to a nasty pit cease price them the world championship. Though controversial on the time, it now appears just like the best-case state of affairs. Do you assume McLaren will contemplate that for Oscar subsequent season?
JC Dave
CM: I do not assume McLaren is contemplating that past the truth that it has been vindicated, and we will follow that strategy. Each drivers have an equal probability to win the title once more (assuming it is a title-contending automotive), and Norris does not get precedence simply because he is the defending champion.
Nevertheless, I am glad you flagged this. It exhibits how shut he was to getting away from McLaren, but it surely additionally exhibits that so many moments add up that they cannot all be summed up into one incident. Kimi’s mistake in Qatar bought loads of consideration, but it surely would not have mattered if McLaren hadn’t modified drivers at Monza, in the event that they hadn’t made a mistake in technique early within the race in Qatar, in the event that they hadn’t received the double DSQ in Las Vegas, or if Max hadn’t run into George in Spain… you get my drift!
Q: “Hamlin and Jenkins testified that it prices $20 million to place one automotive on the observe for all 38 races. That quantity doesn’t embody overhead, working prices, or driver salaries.”
$20 million / 38 races equates to a median price of $526,317 to enter a automotive in a race. Is there a breakdown of this quantity someplace? What’s included within the overhead and working price price range?
phil thomas
KC: I do not assume you have seen a whole breakdown, however of all of the numbers that had been proven the opposite day, I do not see something past what you have already talked about. For instance, I shared how a lot I misplaced in a yr. The workforce has reiterated the $20 million determine to emphasise how costly the automotive is. I am questioning if I can get that quantity someplace on the best way right here. However let me simply say that race workforce budgets do not actually exist, or at the least aren’t set. Each workforce decides how a lot they need or can spend to be aggressive.
final phrase
From Robin Miller’s Mailbag, December 11, 2013
Q: So I believe Brian Clauson’s foray into IndyCar was all one race. He is the kind of driver this sport desperately wants. (That is when he explains that he lacks sufficient highway racing capability to catch up within the present IndyCar world, which is true, however leaning so closely in the direction of the highway/road racing facet is also a sign that your sport is fatally flawed to start with).
Clauson is younger, very gifted and really expert. He has received a number of championships in opposition to different extraordinarily high-level racing expertise and raced in entrance of actual American open-wheel racing followers, lots of whom reside inside driving distance of IMS. At Indy two years in the past, he acquired an enormous response from paying prospects (which tells you that Randy Bernard’s thought is true and that there’s a starvation for folks to root for somebody like this). And for some unusual purpose, that child really nonetheless races in IndyCar and aspires to make it a vacation spot sequence.
We do not have room for somebody like Brian, and the truth that nobody within the AOW oval style appears to have any curiosity in any respect is gloomy, pathetic, and very silly. Is not there room for a number of AOW Oval alumni on the planet’s greatest AOW Oval race? Take into consideration how silly that sounds. We’re ignoring the actual expertise and we’re additionally ignoring the actual custom on this sport. And most actual People are uninterested in it, have moved on and are usually not coming again. The folks working this sport (CEOs, homeowners, and engine producers, not essentially in that order) aren’t good sufficient to grasp that that is the primary purpose so few persons are nonetheless paying consideration or having an curiosity. This sport and the Indy 500 weren’t constructed on F1 dropouts and wannabes. It was constructed on top-level American oval racers, top-level American highway racers, and a handful of top-level foreign-born drivers. Now that scenario has been utterly reversed and tousled (and it is debatable how lots of the present drivers are “prime tier” within the first place…).
There’s extra to the race product than simply what number of vehicles are on the lead lap at Indy, what number of totally different winners there are, and the way entertaining the races are. And sadly, it looks as if nobody within the IndyCar world is savvy sufficient to determine that out. And even when they’re, they do not care in any respect. I wish to see Conor Daly battle Brian Clawson on an IndyCar observe. Identical to I wish to see Austin Dillon struggle Kyle Larson in a cup match. These are the drivers and potential rivalries that followers and People may regulate. Usually, one sport gives what People need and are all for. One sport is ignorant and has been for a very long time.
Invoice, Maplewood, Indiana
Robin Miller: Once I took Randy Bernard to his first USAC dash race in 2010, he puzzled why there weren’t any drivers on the Indy 500 who may grasp 900 horsepower. He defined that that was the case, however all the things modified with the USAC and CART wars. I informed him it was felony that a few of the finest oval observe racers within the nation could not even compete in Indianapolis, and he instantly began engaged on the USAC/IndyCar effort that despatched Brian to IMS in 2012.
Take into consideration this. Clauson, who was working Sarah Fisher’s second automotive, completed within the prime 10 a number of instances in observe and had an amazing run in qualifying, however crashed on the ultimate lap. Since there have been solely 33 vehicles, he returned to his repaired automotive and did as he was informed, driving modestly for the rest of the month. What if he certified in the midst of the fourth row (that is the place he was headed for lap 4) and ran properly within the race? Maybe an proprietor or two would possibly consider the USAC champions nonetheless belong and provides him an opportunity.
The truth is, Bernard was fired and Clawson and his comrades had been as soon as once more forgotten. “The transition is simply too huge” was a constant remark. Nevertheless, Daly crashed throughout observe in Might of this yr, and it was thought of a rookie mistake that didn’t considerably injury him. Nor must you. My solely statement is {that a} good evening throughout Indiana Dash Week would possibly draw a crowd of three,000, which might dwarf a observe day at IMS. Would lots of them wish to see Clawson play in opposition to Daley or Newgarden, and would they arrive to No. 16 & Georgetown? we by no means know.
