IndyCar is looking to race internationally as it unveils its new 2028 race car, and I have the details in this week’s packed Business of Motorsport Roundup. I also have news of F1’s return to Malaysia, the latest motorsport legal developments and more.
Overview
Motorsport Industry News
IndyCar Looks Abroad with New Car
The future of IndyCar is taking shape with the unveiling of the all-new Dallara IR-28, set to debut in 2028 and the move to re-introducing international races.
The series has offered the first glimpse of its next-generation race car, revealing renderings of the all-new Dallara IR-28 that will debut in 2028. This article looks at the lighter, safer, and more aerodynamic chassis, highlighting the technical changes designed to improve performance, enhance overtaking, and shape the future of North America’s premier open-wheel racing series.
Meanwhile, Australia. Brazil. Colombia. Japan. Spain are in the series sights as IndyCar is looking at making a return to international competition in the coming years as its owners at Penske Entertainment and Fox Corporation seek to expand the series’ footprint.
Dreyer & Reinbold Buys IndyCar Charter From Rahal Letterman Lanigan
Forbes reports that the IndyCar Charter system proved its value as Dreyer & Reinbold Racing secured a Charter from Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, enabling DRR’s full-time return to the NTT IndyCar Series in 2027. This marks the first Charter transfer since the system’s 2024 inception, fulfilling the late Dennis Reinbold’s dream and honoring his family’s deep racing legacy. RLL strategically downsized to a two-car operation, optimizing resources for future competition. The estimated $10 million to $13 million transaction underscores the growing equity for teams and strengthens the series’ long-term foundation, according to IndyCar leadership. DRR last competed full-time in 2012, making this a significant comeback.
Malaysia Will Officially Host F1’s 2026 Bahrain GP
Sepang will host the Bahrain Grand Prix from 2-4 October, as Formula 1 returns to Malaysia for the first time since 2017. “We are delighted to confirm that Malaysia will host the Bahrain Grand Prix in 2026,” F1 president and CEO Stefano Domenicali said. “Once again, the sport has demonstrated its ability to adapt, find solutions, and deliver, creating an exciting moment for everyone who follows Formula 1.”
Sector looks into the deal here.
F1 CEO Domenicali: Season Will End in Europe if Qatar and Abu Dhabi Races are Cancelled
Formula One chief executive Stefano Domenicali has confirmed the season will end in Europe if races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi are cancelled due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
“If [the races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi] will not be possible, the end of the season will be in Europe because we cannot go in other places,” Domenicali told select media, including Blackbook Motorsport, following the Hungarian Grand Prix.
F1 Admits it ‘Could be Doing More’ in India
Formula One says it could be doing more to engage its estimated 79 million-strong fanbase in India. A return to the calendar is unlikely in the medium term, but Liam Parker, chief communications and corporate relations officer at Formula One, told BlackBook Motorsport the series was exploring other ways of engaging and monetising a growing, relatively untapped market.
F1 Says Apple Viewership Is Strong—but Won’t Show the Numbers
Apple is “delivering excellent viewership and engagement” across its platforms, according to Formula 1, but the company has yet to release any figures. “Apple, as you know, is confirming that we saw that the numbers are very, very good. In their policy, they are not really the ones that are able to share their numbers with everyone. But I think that we are in a situation where we are now pushing them, respectfully, to show the fact that we see that is the growth after just one year to move from.”
Quick Takes on the Business of Motorsport This Week
F1 Business Summit Returns and More
- F1 Business Summit returns to Las Vegas: Who, what, where and when? (Sector)
- F1 Business Summit (LVGP)
- 2026 Texas Motorsports Summit Speakers announced (TMS)
- Fitch upgrades outlook on Formula 1’s parent company (Sector)
- Barber Motorsports Park expands beyond racing with new AI leadership conference (Yellow Hammer News)
- Citroen team principal Cyril Blais dies at 43 (RACER)
- The Athlete’s Second Career Starts on LinkedIn (Vincenzo Landino)
- Williams Grand Prix Technologies to bring elite motorsport engineering expertise to marine sector (Marine Business News)
- Growing influence: How content creators became F1’s latest commercial asset (Sector)
- RH and Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team Redefine Luxury Beyond the Track (JetSet Magazine)
- Aussie Formula Ford manufacturer Borland Racing Developments celebrates 40th anniversary (SpeedCafe)
- Leading medical provider Emergency Logistics Solutions secures three-year race deal at Bathurst (Medianet)
- Who Pays The Witness? (Paul Pfanner)
- Mid-Year Advocacy Update: Protecting the Racing Industry (PRI)
- The Hidden Logic Behind the Formula 1 Calendar (The Paddock Journal)
- The Cute-ification of Formula 1 (Esses)
- Claire Williams: The Cost of Responsibility (Business of Speed)
- Goodyear making strong push for WEC Hypercar tire deal (RACER)
- F1’s financial and audience growth is one story, not two (Idée Fixe)
- Why NASCAR needs to stop racing at Indianapolis Motor Speedway (RACER)
- How AWS and Salesforce built one ecosystem inside the F1 paddock (Sector)
- ‘Days of Thunder 2’: Jonathan Levine in Talks to Direct Tom Cruise in Paramount’s Racing Sequel (Hollywood Reporter)
- It’s Time Philippine Motorsport Talked About Bullying (Jahan Kalam)
- The Commercial Power of Belonging (Beyond the Paddock)
- Turning Attention Into Habit: Can Formula 1 Retain Its New Audience? (Paddock Journal)
- Steve Earwood: Why IHRA’s Biggest Challenge Wasn’t Passion, It Was the Business of Drag Racing (Competition Plus)
- Applications are now open for the IMSA Labs Oracle Cloud Innovation Studio (IMSA)
- The Next Susie Wolff Will Grow Up in a Different Motorsport (Open Track Consultants)
- The Unexpected Use and Influence of Motorsport Technology (MIA)
Highlights from the Sustainable Motorsport Roundup
Leon VZ e-Hybrid Racer Unveiled by Cupra
The Leon VZ e-Hybrid Racer has been revealed by Cupra with the claim that this could be the future of touring car racing. I have the details in this week’s Sustainable Motorsport Roundup. I also have news on hydrogen at Le Mans and much more!
The Numbers This Week
- IndyCar misses out on World Cup viewership boost after Nashville washout (BlackBook Motorsport)
- 9% Drop in F1 Highlights Youtube Viewership for Opening 10 Rounds (Alan Dove)
Motorsport Law Roundup
NASCAR Says It’s ‘Overwhelmed’ By ‘Mass Counterfeiting’
NASCAR is cracking down on counterfeit merchandise in a federal lawsuit filed recently in North Carolina that seeks to block an alleged network of foreign retailers from selling knockoff clothing and collectibles through online marketplaces, social media platforms and search engines like Google.
How the FIA Right of Review Works
In March 2026, all 20 Formula E drivers signed a letter to the FIA President. Among their demands: the “creation of error-correcting mechanisms” for penalties. Here’s the thing — the FIA already has one. It’s called the Right of Review (ISC Article 14), and it’s deliberately narrow: you need evidence that is genuinely new, previously unavailable, and significant enough to change the outcome. For 2026, stewards can even trigger a review themselves.
The FIA’s Right of Review is motorsport’s answer to the oldest question in adjudication — when should a decision be reopened? — and Formula E has just put it under the spotlight. Ubaidullah Kazi explains here.
Spa and the Three Faces of Discretion: The Real Lesson From F1’s Belgian Grand Prix
The 2026 Belgian Grand Prix sparked fresh debate over the FIA’s decision-making, and this analysis from Davide Beatrice of DBMotorsport argues that the real issue extends beyond any single incident. By examining the “three faces of discretion” on display at Spa, the article explores how subjective regulatory interpretation can lead to inconsistent outcomes and why Formula 1 may need clearer, more objective standards for Race Control and the stewards.
Liberty Media Reaches $3M Settlement in Las Vegas Grand Prix 2023 Tickets Lawsuit
Formula 1 parent company Liberty Media, which also promotes the Las Vegas Grand Prix, has agreed to a settlement of about $3 million to end a class-action lawsuit brought by spectators regarding the inaugural 2023 race.
The opening-night practice session on Nov. 16, 2023, was halted after nine minutes when Carlos Sainz Jr. drove over a water valve cover that severely damaged his Ferrari. Practice didn’t resume until the early morning hours of Nov. 17, ending at about 4 a.m. local time. Fans were removed from the viewing areas before the 90-minute session took place.
Those who had tickets for only that practice session or bought three-night tickets are eligible for compensation under the settlement. Claims must be filed by Aug. 27.
Read more at the Times West Virginia.
The Potential Implications of Case C‑424/24
The relationship between sport and the law continues to evolve as European courts redefine the limits of sporting autonomy. This LinkedIn post from Niall Geaney highlights an analysis of recent EU legal developments that could have far-reaching consequences for sports governance, examining how greater judicial oversight may influence the way governing bodies regulate competitions, discipline participants, and balance autonomy with accountability.
You can read the decision here.
Red Bull junior is Still Paying Off ‘Debts’ to Fernando Alonso After Signing ‘Ruthless’ Contract
Nikola Tsolov’s impressive Formula 2 campaign has reportedly been accompanied by significant financial challenges stemming from an earlier management contract. This article from F1 Oversteer examines claims that Red Bull stepped in to help free the Bulgarian prospect from a restrictive agreement linked to Fernando Alonso’s driver program, highlighting the importance of carefully negotiated contracts for young drivers pursuing a career in motorsport.
F1 Legal Counsel Opportunity Opens Up
Formula 1 is looking for an outstanding Legal Counsel to join the Dispute Resolution division of its legal team, working on an extremely broad variety of contentious and risk-related matters. This is a rare opportunity to join a high-performing in-house legal team and handle some of the most interesting, high-profile, and diverse contentious work in global sport.
Follow the link to find out more. https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/4445925096/?trk=mcm
Motorsport Sponsorship, Partnership News and Analysis
- Ericsson to carry DKY Foundation colors for IndyCar race at Laguna Seca (RACER)
- Stripe to move into sponsorship with Mercedes (Sport Business)
- Which three brands would reflect where F1 is heading next? (Sector)
- Why Toyota races: ‘Motorsport is NOT advertising’ (RACER)
- Why Do Sponsors Change Teams – Strategy, Risk & Reward (RTR Sports Marketing)
- Fanatec partners with Legacy Motor Club; will sponsor Nemechek in five races (Jayski)
- Formula 1 & Crypto: How Motorsport Became Web3’s Favorite Playground (Be In Crypto)
- Tommy Hilfiger Seals Global Endorsement With Zhou Guanyu (Asia Sponsorship News)
- Integrations, Case Studies and the Modern Formula 1 Partnership (Racing United)
- Four trends that will shape motorsport this year (Danielle Crespo)
- How Flexjet and VistaJet Are Reinventing the Private Jet Experience for the .01 Percent – Air Mail (Air Mail)
- What Can F1 Learn From The World Cup? (Sunday’s Sponsors)
- Bell Racing, Disney and Formula 1 unite for an exclusive charity initiative (Bell Racing)
- BoxBoxd launches co-watching platform with in-built F1 sponsorship tool (Sector)
- NASCAR Sponsorship 2027: How Brands Get In and Sponsor a Team (RTR Sports Marketing)
- F1 Sponsorship Renewal: The Trap Most Brands Fall Into (Rush)
- The 2026 MotoGP Factory Teams: An Analysis of the Commercial Portfolio (RTR Sports Management)
- A bottle of red wine in Mayfair: A look at Disney and F1’s relationship (Motorsport Week)
- How Disney and F1 could utilise its relationship further (Motorsport Week)
- Mission Foods to Become Title Sponsor of the SCCA National Championship Runoffs in 2026 (SCCA)
- IndyCar hoping to bring Beltway brands into fold with upcoming Washington D.C. street race (Sports Business Journal)
The Business of Running a Race Team
How Kellymoss Built a Legacy at Home in Wisconsin and Beyond
Kellymoss has grown from a small Porsche-focused operation in Wisconsin into one of North America’s premier customer racing organizations. This profile explores how the team’s unwavering commitment to a single manufacturer, investment in people, strong community values, and customer-first philosophy have helped build a championship-winning legacy while providing a blueprint for long-term success in motorsport.
Team & Manufacturer News
- Ferrari, Peugeot tease hypercar updates (RACER)
- Red Bull reject US$3bn bid for Racing Bulls F1 team from Abu Dhabi-backed investor (The Times)
- Inside Team WRT’s Sporting Braintrust (Sportscar365+)
- Red Bull appoints Lagrue as junior driver chief after Mercedes F1 exit (Autosport)
- Chip Ganassi Racing hires former AP reporter Jenna Fryer to lead new media group (Sports Business Journal)
- Dome-led group launches bid to build next Super Formula car (Autosport)
- Pirelli director reveals who covers tyre costs in MotoGP and WorldSBK (Motorsport Week)
Motorsport Movers & Shakers
Steve O’Donnell Races to Make imprint on NASCAR
Having worked at NASCAR for more than 30 years on both the business and competition sides, starting as marketing services representative in 1996, CEO Steve O’Donnell is well respected in the sport. When NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps departed in January, O’Donnell, then president, was left as the clear leader of the sanctioning body, capping his climb to the top of the corporate ladder.
Adam Stern from Sports Business Journal looks at what O’Donnell is planning with the little time available considering the fierce competitive nature of motorsports and the challenges of the overall sports business.
Author: Mark Boudreau
Mark is the publisher of Motorsport Prospects and the host of the Motorsport Prospects Podcast. As a lawyer, he applies his legal background and research skills to assist race drivers by showcasing the resources they need to make their motorsport careers happen.
