South African Government Backs Kyalami F1 Bid

The South African government has backed the bid by the Kyalami circuit to host the South African Grand Prix, bringing an F1 race that much closer to the African continent. Alongside that news I also have the 2026 IndyCar schedule, a surprise FIA presidential candidate and much more in this week’s Business of Motorsport Roundup.

Motorsport Industry News

South African government backs Kyalami F1 bid

Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit

The South African government has formally backed a bid to bring Formula 1 back to the country, marking a key step for the Kyalami circuit. The government’s backing of the Kyalami bid as their preferred option does not guarantee F1 will return, and it only provides a slight advantage over the other three competing bids.

Epstein optimistic about new USGP deal for COTA

Talks over a new contract to keep the United States Grand Prix at Circuit of The Americas are progressing, and COTA chairman Bobby Epstein says he is “optimistic” about an agreement. “Conversations are ongoing and I think we’re optimistic,” Epstein said. “I have little doubt that they want to do anything but continue and likewise do we, so that is a pretty good starting point for conversation. But there hasn’t been a sense of urgency on either one of our ends, I don’t think and when it’s time we’ll come to an agreement.”

Protestors take to Madrid streets in opposition to 2026 F1 race

Protestors in Madrid have taken to the streets of the Spanish capital to oppose its plans to host the brand new Formula 1 race in the city. The group, known as ‘Stop Formula 1 Madrid’, protested on Sunday, using the slogan, ‘Our neighbourhood is not a racetrack’, with one protestor quoted as saying: “Only a few have the benefits, everyone has to bear the losses.”

Where F1 is at with proposed return to V8 engines

Motorsport Week takes a look at exactly where Formula 1 is in terms of its proposition to ditch V6 hybrids for a return to the days of the V8. “But we are not in a rush to take a decision today or tomorrow that tomorrow at the factory everybody is focused on 2026.”

Formula One owner Liberty Media is targeting media rights partners that offer more than just broadcasting races, according to the company’s chief executive Derek Chang. “Much like the US, I think this is a holistic sort of view of traditionally what’s been known as your media partner, but I don’t know if it’s necessarily a media partner per se in a classic sense of someone who’s just broadcasting your race. It is someone who can help fans access your content beyond the race.”

IndyCar unveils 2026 schedule

South African Government Backs Kyalami F1 Bid

The 2026 IndyCar Series schedule has landed and there are no major surprises to the 17-race calendar. Mexico City didn’t make the cut and Iowa is out but Marshall Pruett argues that the schedule is “filled with a number of improvements that address shortcomings that blighted recent championship runs.”

The ‘F1-ification’ of MotoGP misses the point

Formula 1’s recent strategies, which include elaborate ceremonies and increased commercialization, are now being mirrored by MotoGP, raising concerns about the potential loss of the sport’s unique identity. As MotoGP adapts to new management under Liberty Media, there is a pressing need for it to embrace its distinct character rather than imitate F1, ensuring that the essence of motorcycle racing remains intact.

Surprise third candidate Laura Villars joins FIA presidential race

Laura Villars has announced she has joined the race to be elected FIA president – though she has only 24 hours to meet the first entry deadline. The FIA must once again be the federation of clubs and license holders,” said Villars, an entrepreneur as well as a racing driver. “My ambition is a governance that is more democratic, more transparent, more responsible, and open to women and new generations. I strongly believe that motorsport needs diversity and innovation to keep inspiring younger generations worldwide.”

Quick Takes on the Business of Motorsport This Week

Red Bull Racing + Carlyle partnership
Autosport Business Exchange 4 New York

Highlights from the Sustainable Motorsport Roundup

Extreme H World Cup

The hydrogen-powered Extreme H World Cup has been announced, and this week’s Sustainable Motorsport Roundup has the details on when and where it will take place. I also have news on the various sustainability initiatives of the Mercedes F1 team, the demise of MotoE and much more.

The Numbers

South African Government Backs Kyalami F1 Bid

Max Verstappen returned to the top step of the podium at the Italian GP, earning his first win since May and reigniting momentum for Oracle Red Bull Racing. The victory translated into major digital success according to Blinkfire, with the team ranking #1 in total views across F1 teams over the weekend with 65.4 million views. Red Bull also secured #2 in both engagement and media value, trailing only Ferrari on home soil, where the Tifosi fueled massive online activity.

Motorsport Law Roundup

FIA overturns Sainz’s F1 Dutch GP penalty after Williams protest

South African Government Backs Kyalami F1 Bid

The FIA has overturned the penalty Carlos Sainz received during the Formula 1 Dutch Grand Prix for his collision with Liam Lawson at Turn 1 in Zandvoort following the successful right of review filed by Williams. “The Stewards agree with Williams’ characterisation of the collision as a racing incident,” read the FIA report.

23XI, FRM asking for ruling on NASCAR counterclaim

23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports are asking for a summary judgment on NASCAR’s counterclaim that alleges the teams conspired for better terms during the charter negotiations. “Summary judgement should be granted now, so that the parties can plan for the December 1, 2025 trial with the knowledge that NASCAR’s baseless counterclaim is not going to distract from the purpose of those proceedings, which is to expose NASCAR’s track record of monopolistic practices and restore competition so that teams, drivers, sponsors and fans all benefit from a sport built for long-term growth.”

NASCAR addresses court case texts in team meeting

During a meeting with team presidents last week, NASCAR President Steve O’Donnell addressed text messages recently released in the sport’s antitrust trial, people familiar with the matter said, underscoring the trickle-down effect the lawsuit is having on industry relations this season.

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Motorsport Sponsorship, Partnership News and Analysis

South African Government Backs Kyalami F1 Bid
South African Government Backs Kyalami F1 Bid

The Business of Running a Race Team

Jared Thomas makes Porsche single-make racing his business

South African Government Backs Kyalami F1 Bid

Jared Thomas is no stranger to the challenges around funding a race program, but his approach to that problem sets him apart from many other young drivers in the paddock. “I always tell people it was never the plan to be a business owner,” Thomas said. “It was never the plan to be a professional race car driver. It kind of just all happened. And I think there’s a lot of hard work in there, but you get lucky with right timing, right place as well.” Read more about his journey at the Porsche website here.

Team & Manufacturer News

South African Government Backs Kyalami F1 Bid
South African Government Backs Kyalami F1 Bid
Mark Boudreau
Author: Mark Boudreau

Mark is the publisher of Motorsport Prospects. 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.

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