Sports car racing is set for some critical decisions this year that will have serious implications for its future. This is just some of what is covered in this week’s Business of Motorsport Roundup. I also have details on a possible Indian Grand Prix return, the latest sponsorship news and more.
Overview
Motorsport Industry News
Domenicali: F1 ‘Needs to Decide’ on the Next Engine Regulations This Year
Formula 1 CEO and president Stefano Domenicali believes the series as a whole should try and agree on a future power unit formula as early as this year, backing a push for a lighter and simpler engine.
Initiated by FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s public desire for F1 to move to simpler, cheaper power units in the future, F1 stakeholders held meetings 12 months ago on what a future engine formula could look like and whether the 2026 regulations cycle could be shortened as a result.
Interestingly, as Filip Cleeren in Autosport points out, the FIA and FOM seem to be more closely aligned than in the past. “I think what I can say is that the relationship with the president of the FIA and with the FIA is very strong,” Domenicali insisted. “We know that we are complementary to the sport. We will never do the role of the FIA as the FIA will never do the role of a commercial rightsholder.”
India Government Pushing for F1’s Return by Working to Remove Tax Hurdles
India’s government is working to bring Formula One back to the country by addressing the tax and regulatory issues that forced the Indian Grand Prix off the calendar after 2013. Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said officials are exploring tax relaxations and reimbursements to make hosting a race financially viable for organizers. The likely venue would again be the Buddh International Circuit, which hosted three races from 2011–13 before disputes over entertainment taxes and freight duties drove the event away. While the government is targeting a possible return later this decade, Formula One officials say no agreement is finalized yet and the timeline for a comeback remains uncertain.
F1 Considering New Date for Saudi Arabian Grand Prix
Gulf News reports that Robert Doornboshas has indicated that the recently called-off Middle Eastern Formula 1 Grand Prix in Saudi Arabia could still be rearranged and held later this year. “Doornboshas, former F1 driver, recently said that the Saudi GP could take place later on in the year though, suggesting the race could happen on December 6, with the Abu Dhabi GP moving back to December 13.”
The F1 Cost Cap: A Success Story or a Failure?
Formula 1’s cost cap has been widely touted as transformational for the sport. It has made teams profitable, attracted billions in investment, and narrowed the spending gap between the front and back of the grid from roughly 6:1 (top team to bottom team) to more like 2.5:1. The Paddock Project looks into whether the F1 cost cap is a success or failure.
NASCAR: ‘90% of Full Speed Viewers Had Never Watched the Playoffs’
90 per cent of viewers who tuned in to NASCAR’s Full Speed docuseries didn’t watch a minute of the playoffs the year before, according to the series’ chief media and revenue officer Brian Herbst.
“We actually launched [production for Full Speed] in February 2023. The results came back, it was trending in the top five on Netflix for the first ten days. But the most important data point, at least for me, was 90 per cent of the people that watch that show, they did not watch a single minute of the Nascar playoffs the year before.”
“So that’s top-of-the-funnel stuff, where you grow the personalities of your drivers, the stars of your sport. Hopefully at some point you bring them down the funnel and they’ll watch a three-hour Nascar race, but leveraging platforms like an Amazon, like a Netflix, to tell the story of our drivers has been really successful for us.”
Sports Car Racing Set for Critical Campaign in 2026 as Long-Term Decisions Loom
RACER explains how the decisions made in the next few weeks and months will have important implications to the future of sports car racing. “Between major regulatory discussions, shifting calendars, rising costs, and the launch of significant new cars from Ford, McLaren, Mercedes-AMG and Toyota, the year is shaping up to be a critical one for the medium- to long-term future of endurance racing at the top of the tree.”
Read the full article here.
IMSA: The Most Underpriced Platform in Motorsport
The 2026 ROLEX 24 at Daytona drew more than 180,000 attendees over four days, the largest crowd in the race’s 64-year history. One month later, the 74th running of the 12 Hours of Sebring set its own all-time attendance record with more than 115,000 fans passing through the gates.
According to IMSA – International Motor Sports Association President John Doonan, nearly every track on the 2025 calendar had at or near-record attendance. The grid reflects the same momentum. Doonan described the 2026 full-season entry list as “max capacity.” Demand for entry exceeds available slots. Teams can choose where to race. They keep choosing IMSA.
Brian Scott McRae explains how IMSA is the most underpriced platform in motorsport and why this gap won’t list.
Potential Races in America’s Northeast, Brazil and Japan All on IndyCar’s Radar
The IndyCar Series is experiencing an uptick of new interest that could bring additions to its future calendars. Along with a potential return to international travel in the coming years, longstanding efforts remain in motion to find a regular home for racing in the Northeast, and together, the global and domestic searches are a positive sign for the series owned by Penske Entertainment and Fox Corporation.
RACER explains what countries and cities are being considered and why.
Trackhouse Boss Reveals Steps MotoGP Must Take to Increase Viewership
Trackhouse owner Justin Marks has revealed how he plans to promote his MotoGP team ahead of the sport’s expected growth under Liberty Media. “Where my perspective has evolved is in understanding the global potential of the championship – how it can grow and what the key drivers of that growth are.”
FIA Launches New Scholarship Program to Develop the Next Generation of Motor Sport Leaders
The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport and the federation for mobility organizations worldwide, has today announced a new scholarship program in partnership with leading European business school, specializing in sport management, the European Sport Business School (ESBS). By enabling world class education in sport management, the FIA is supporting the next generation of global motor sport leaders.
The FIA Scholarship Programme has been created to widen access to high-quality education and industry experience which will provide future motor sport talent with the skills, experience, and global perspective needed to lead across the modern sporting landscape. The scholarship forms part of the FIA’s wider work to strengthen the future talent pipeline across the sport. By creating new pathways for people from a broader range of backgrounds through world-leading education, global opportunities, and financial support, the program opens doors to exciting careers both on and off the track.
The application deadline is the 15th May 2026.
Full details can be found here.
Quick Takes on the Business of Motorsport This Week
FIA Reveals Volunteer Numbers and More
- FIA study reveals the 20,000 volunteers who make Formula 1 possible (Sector)
- Supercars boss eyes fourth manufacturer after Toyota’s landmark win (Auto Action)
- Multi-million price tag placed on Bathurst safety fix (V8 Sleuth)
- How to reach Formula 1’s growing Gen Z fanbase (Sector)
- How F2 finally found its way to North America (RACER)
- How Porsche raised massive charity tally with Formula E race finish (Motorsport Week)
- Motorsport Network and FORMULA 1 CRYPTO.COM MIAMI GRAND PRIX Partner on a Powerhouse Line-up for Autosport Business Exchange Miami (Miami GP)
- Why F1’s ended up with rules that so many hate (The Race)
- Qiddiya reveals 257-room motorsport hotel near Formula One venue (Hotelier)
- How Tecpro meets the demands of Miami GP’s unique track (Sector)
- Cleetus McFarland’s NASCAR venture could already be destined to fail (Beyond The Flag)
- RIGHT-TO-RACE UPDATE: Wisconsin Governor Vetoes Bipartisan Race Track Lawsuit Protections Bill (PRI)
- Experienced engineer Mike O’Gara joins IndyCar as Vice President of Competition (Motorsport Week)
- LIV, NBA Europe: Has the Iran War Curbed Middle East Sports Spending? (Sportico)
- Margot Robbie Confirms ‘Ocean’s 11’ Prequel Follows Danny Ocean’s Parents at the 1962 Monaco Grand Prix (Variety)
Highlights from the Sustainable Motorsport Roundup
Chip Ganassi Racing Goes Green
Chip Ganassi Racing has joined the Green Sports Alliance and in this week’s edition of the Sustainable Motorsport Roundup you will understand why. I also have details on the first F1 safety provider to earn FIA sustainability recognition and more.
The Numbers This Week
- F1’s global TV viewership up over first three races despite divisive racing product (BlackBook Motorsport)
- NASCAR viewership drops below 2m at Bristol on FS1 (BlackBook Motorsport)
Motorsport Law Roundup
Motorsport South Africa Appoints National Court of Appeal Members
Motorsport South Africa (MSA) is pleased to announce the appointment of the following individuals to the MSA National Court of Appeal, as approved at the Board of Directors meeting held on the 31 March 2026. Read the list of who they selected here.
LawInSport’s Sport & Commercial Law – Annual Review 2025/26
LawInSports have published the Commercial Law chapter of their Annual Review 2025/26. This year’s chapter focuses on developments across the following four themes:
- Unbundling of women’s sports entities: Continuing last year’s consideration of this topic, we will examine the continuing trend for unbundling women’s sports entities from men’s teams, the appetite for investment and the impact of recent Premier League regulatory changes.
- League structuring and strategic investment: Here, we will discuss the intersection between developments in private investment in sport and the growing adoption of franchise models leagues, especially through the lens of nascent and early-stage leagues.
- Broadcasting and media: This section will discuss how over-the-top streaming services have continued to reposition the traditional linear sports broadcasting model, with major deals such as Formula 1’s exclusive partnership with Apple in the USA, Netflix’s acquisition of live MLB rights, and Paramount’s securing of UEFA Champions League games in the UK of particular note.
- Gambling: Last year saw new regulatory changes in the gambling industry, including the incoming ban on front-of-shirt gambling sponsorships in the Premier League, increased duties on online gambling, and scrutiny of white label arrangements. We will discuss the potential of these to disrupt the financial and operational landscape for gambling sponsors and clubs, forcing both to adapt to new legal and commercial realities.
Read the full report here.
Top Sports Lawyers Command $10 Million Salaries Amid Poaching Frenzy
The transfer portal has transformed college sports—just ask the Michigan men’s basketball team, which just won a national championship with five starters who started their college careers elsewhere.
A similar dynamic is playing out in the legal world, where law firms are raiding rivals for sports attorneys who can instantly import a big book of business. Lawyers live behind the biggest deals in sports, quietly guiding teams and investors as they navigate league politics, ownership rules, and the complexities of billion-dollar transactions.
Front Office Sports has all the details.
Upcoming Courses and Webinars
- [Summer school] Global law and governance of international sports (Asser Institute)
- ANZSLA Webinar: How to Become an International Sports Lawyer – Insights from the Global Stage (ANZSLA)
Motorsport Sponsorship, Partnership News and Analysis
OPEN AI returns and More
- OpenAI returns as Palou’s primary sponsor (RACER)
- Is a Formula One partnership worth it? (Fast Company)
- Formula E and Liberty Walk launch exclusive collection (Formula E)
- Schaeffler Accelerates into Two-Wheeler Racing as Official Technology Sponsor of the Asia Road Racing Championship (Bastille Post Global)
- LVMH sales miss expectations as luxury recovery is put on pause amid Middle East war (CNBC)
- NASCAR Sponsors List 2026 – Premier Partners, Teams & Title Sponsors (RTR Sports Marketing)
- Super.com Named NASCAR Official Savings Partner (RTR Sports Marketing)
- The Pop-Up Hotel brings a trackside swimming pool to Silverstone (and here’s how you can have a go) (Seen in the City)
- NEFCO Partners With McDowell, Spire Motorsports for Select Races in 2026 (Spire Motorsports)
- RLL welcomes Liquid Death to IndyCar with Schumacher (RACER)
- Allwyn and the art of growing into an F1 partnership (Sector)
- WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca and Monterey Jet Center Announce Strategic Partnership to Elevate Luxury Race Weekend Experience (Laguna Seca)
- Why MECCA & Amex Won at the Australian Grand Prix (Paddock Journal)
- E1 partners with Fever for ticketing deal (SIG)
- Nicotine pouch retailer Nicokick US partners with Richard Childress Racing (Adam Stern)
- Speedmaster partners with Melanie Johnson as primary sponsor for 2026 season (National Today)
- Rockstar dipping back into NASCAR sponsorship realm through deal with streaking 23XI Racing (Sports Business Journal)
- Dreyer & Reinbold partners with RallyX Americas (RACER)
The Business of Running a Race Team
New Home of Papaya: Inside the McLaren Racing Center
Team & Manufacturer News
How Ferrari’s Hypercar Team is Funded and More
- How Ferrari’s Self-Funding Model is Keeping it at Sports Car Racing’s Pinnacle (Sportscar365+)
- No Indy entry, but PREMA still hopeful of IndyCar return later in 2026 (RACER)
- Imogen Radburn bringing women to motorsport with all-female racing team (ABC)
- Why INDYCAR’s 2-Week Break Is Anything But A Vacation — And How Teams Capitalize (Driver’s Eye with James Hinchcliffe)
- Red Bull and Honda power up new testing deal (SIG)
- Formula E appoints Will Brown as Chief Commercial Officer (Formula E)
- Cadillac CEO issues positive update on in-house F1 power unit (Motorsport Week)
- How Super Formula’s two new teams both starred on debut (Japan Racing Insider)
- Pfaff looking to build upon solid Sebring debut for Lamborghini Temerario GT3 (RACER)
- Algarve Pro “Pushing Hard” for Porsche Hypercar Effort (Sportscar365)
- United Autosports Set to Move into Larger HQ for Hypercar (Sportscar365)
- Chicago Performance to Skip COTA Amid Driver Search (Sportscar365)
- BHA Plotting McLaren Trophy Effort; Road Atlanta Debut (Sportscar365)
- Why a Honda WEC Effort Remains Far in the Distance (Sportscar365+)
- JTR Motorsports Engineering Is Set for Porsche Carrera Cup Return to Long Beach Street Circuit (RTD Media)
- Stellantis Motorsport celebrates the delivery of the 100th FR6 car: a new era for modern and accessible rallying (Stellantis)
Motorsport Movers & Shakers
Toto Wolff Wants to Empower and Micromanage. The Contradiction Explains His Success
Toto Wolff is one of the most influential leaders in modern Formula 1. He is the CEO of the Mercedes team and the architect of one of the sport’s great dynasties, which included seven straight drivers’ championships from 2014 to 2020. And now, he’s back at the top.
Read the full feature on The Athletic.
Driven to Perform: Ryan Walkinshaw
Few businesses carry the weight of legacy quite like Walkinshaw Group. The name is synonymous with motorsport success, engineering precision and decades of automotive innovation. But for Ryan Walkinshaw, inheriting that legacy in his early 20s meant balancing what came before with the need to shape what comes next.
“Taking over the business at 23 was both a privilege and a significant responsibility,” he tells The CEO Magazine. “At that stage, my priority was simple – absorb as much as possible, protect the foundations that had been built and ensure the organization continued to move forward.”
Read the full profile at CEO Magazine here.
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.
