- F1 chiefs unanimously agreed to urgent technical rule changes starting in Miami.
- Alex Palou dominated Long Beach to secure his twenty-second career IndyCar win.
- Tyler Reddick leads NASCAR standings after winning five of nine opening races.
As expected, the F1 bigwigs made changes to the new regs to appease some of the sport’s loudest voices.
Meanwhile, the world of IndyCar is still abuzz after crowning a dominant winner in Long Beach. And elsewhere, MotoGP is prepping for a historic return to Jerez.
Here’s the latest from across the various grids.
Formula 1: Mid-season rule shake-up confirmed
In the greater scheme of things, it was a massive move. But, for those who have been up close and personal with the machinations of F1 2026, the FIA’s decision to implement a series of technical rule changes was inevitable.
The changes will be effective from the Miami Grand Prix (May 3). They follow yesterday’s crunch meeting, which involved team principals and power unit manufacturers. As a result, the following adjustments were fast-tracked to address their safety and energy management concerns:
- Energy harvesting: To encourage more ‘flat-out’ driving, energy harvesting in qualifying has now been capped at 7MJ.
- Superclipping: Top power for ‘superclipping’ has now been boosted from 250kW to 350kW to reduce excessive lifting and coasting.
- Visual safety: A new flashing rear and lateral light system is being introduced. This warns following drivers when a car is harvesting energy, hence reducing the risk of high-speed incidents.
IndyCar: Palou dominated Long Beach
Alex Palou proved why he is a four-time champion with that commanding victory at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach on Sunday.
- Podium: Palou’s #10 Chip Ganassi Racing Honda was too quick for Felix Rosenqvist, who secured second for Meyer Shank Racing. Scott Dixon was on the podium in third.
- Rising stars: Caymanian rookie Kyffin Simpson earned his second top-10 finish of the season after an impressive recovery after encountering pit lane traffic.
- Title race: Kyle Kirkwood continues to hold a slim overall lead, but Palou’s 22nd career win has significantly narrowed the gap.
MotoGP: Anticipation building for Jerez
The paddock descends upon the Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto for the Spanish Grand Prix this coming weekend.
- Favorites: National Moto3’s Hakim Danish is talking confidently ahead of the race following an intense training stint in Spain during the three-week break.
- History: MotoGP organisers have gone out of their way to highlight the legendary 2005 Rossi-Gibernau clash as a reminder of the drama Jerez invariably provides. With the championship still wide open, fans will be hoping one of the sport’s great ‘theatres’ delivers yet again.
NASCAR: Reddick’s Heater and Trackhouse’s Slump
- Reddick’s on fire: 23XI Racing’s Tyler Reddick is still the one to beat, after winning five of the first nine races this season. Today, he showed off his own 1993 Toyota Supra MkIV as part of his growing partnership with the car manufacturer.
- Trackhouse struggles: No such harmony at Trackhouse Racing. Shane van Gisbergen and teammate Connor Zilisch are having a miserable time after failing again to deliver in Kansas. Their crew chiefs admitted they are yet to “hit the mark” with the new Chevrolet Camaro body/aero package.
Other motorsport snippets
- British Superbikes: ROKiT has been officially announced as the title sponsor of the IWR team, enabling 2025 Superstock champion Ilya Mikhalchik to make his Superbike debut at the Oulton Park test, which starts today (April 21).
- World Endurance Championship: Following the opening practice sessions in Imola, Ferrari looks like the team to beat on their home soil, though Cadillac and Peugeot are still in striking distance ahead of the six-hour race.
