NASCAR’s Next-Gen car, introduced in 2022, has 26 parts from single-source suppliers that all teams must use. Those suppliers are mainly American, but they also include foreign brands. What is more, top-notch team owners like Roger Penske and Rick Hendrick are doubly affected as they have automotive businesses of their own. So Trump’s latest announcement may give them a small breather.

A slight relaxation for NASCAR 

NASCAR provided a full list of its single-source vendors back in 2021. The imported parts include important components of the vehicle from many foreign countries. These include radiator ducts (from Dallara in Italy), brake systems (from AP Racing Limited in the United Kingdom), bumpers (from Kirkey Racing Fabrication in the UK), prop shafts (from Lentus Composites Limited in the UK), and digital dash and ECU (from McLaren in the UK). Some other components are sourced from American arms of foreign companies. These include wheels (from BBS of America; the parent company is from Germany) and dampers (from Ohlins USA; the parent company is in Sweden). With team owners relying on offshore brands for so many parts, Donald Trump’s initial tariff policy did sound like a setback.

However, the POTUS recently rolled out a positive piece of news. NASCAR journalist Adam Stern reposted a Reuters article on X, highlighting the heartening part of Trump’s newest announcement. “U.S. President Donald Trump is planning to spare carmakers from some tariffs. … Car parts would be exempted from tariffs that are being imposed on imports from China over fentanyl and tariffs levied on steel and aluminum.” 

“U.S. President Donald Trump is planning to spare carmakers from some tariffs. … Car parts would be exempted from tariffs that are being imposed on imports from China over fentanyl and tariffs levied on steel and aluminum.” – @Reuters https://t.co/HFcKKiVlwW

— Adam Stern (@A_S12) April 23, 2025

This would be music to the ears of NASCAR and especially team owners Roger Penske and Rick Hendrick. Penske owns the IndyCar Series as well, and it also sources parts from outside countries. For example, the DW12 Dallara chassis, which comes from Italy, the O.Z. and BBS, two wheel providers, are based in Italy and Germany, and the motor generator unit for IndyCar’s hybrid comes from Empel, based in the Netherlands. Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Cars, has also been affected, as mentioned by Steve Phelps. “I had a conversation with Rick Hendrick, and obviously, his base business is affected by the tariffs. What that looks like for him, he doesn’t know, but you can bet he’s monitoring that on a daily basis, and we’re doing the same.”

NASCAR and its team owners can now sigh in relief. What is more, Donald Trump’s toned-down approach will have an impact on Formula One as well.

A smaller world than it appears?

Well, Donald Trump’s tariff policies mainly affected US carmakers who imported foreign parts. As it turns out, three Formula One teams are also affected. These are Cadillac, Ford, and Haas. Cadillac F1 will have three bases in the United States. These are in Indiana, where it intends to conduct the bulk of its car manufacturing, in North Carolina, where its power unit facility will be located, and its Michigan base will offer additional operational support. Ford’s construction power units for Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls are also affected. Although located in the UK, any transfer of goods across borders will likely come with an associated tariff. Then we have Haas, which has a base in North Carolina. Its primary business as a CNC machine manufacturer is at risk. If foreign countries enact retaliatory tariffs against the United States, Haas CNC machines will skyrocket in price.

Haas Automation released a statement in early April explaining the range of Donald Trump’s impact. “In recent days, we’ve seen a dramatic decrease in demand for our machine tools from both domestic and foreign customers. Out of caution, we have reduced production and eliminated overtime at our sole manufacturing plant in Oxnard, California, where we employ 1700 workers and have been in operation since 1983. We have also halted hiring and put new employment requisitions on hold.” However, it had also added a note of optimism: “While tariffs will have a significant impact on Haas Automation’s business, we’re optimistic that the Trump Administration will come up with solutions to provide relief for U.S. manufacturers.”

As it turned out, Haas Automation was right in its prediction. With Donald Trump’s relaxed tariff policy, NASCAR and other leagues may be able to relax a bit.

The post NASCAR Manufacturers Again in the Mix as Donald Trump Drops Major Bombshell on His New Tariffs appeared first on EssentiallySports.

For Steiner, this was a logical move. “Do you have six people out there [on the pit wall]? Or a quarter of a million on car updates? I know what we’re doing,” he had said in 2023. At the time, Haas was struggling financially and had to make tough decisions to survive. However, Haas’ on-track results never justified the cost-cutting. The team remained a backmarker, struggling to keep up with the midfield.

Now, a year after Steiner’s departure, Haas has decided to roll back that decision and expand their pit wall again. The first day of Formula 1’s 2025 pre-season testing in Bahrain revealed a key change in Haas’ setup. The team, which had operated with only three pit wall seats for two years, now features a larger pit wall once again, a change made possible because of Haas’ improved financial situation and a fresh strategic approach under the new team principal Ayao Komatsu.

However, the latest decision has left fans fuming over Steiner. The F1 community has not been kind to Guenther Steiner. Once a fan-favorite due to his blunt personality and frequent appearances on Drive to Survive, he is now facing backlash for his management style. A user summed up the frustration and wrote, “Guenther was the problem. He always told the team they had to perform better, but that’s not how you build a team.”

Steiner’s leadership style was based on tough love. He frequently criticized the team, drivers, and staff for poor performance. This approach made him popular among fans who enjoyed his raw honesty, but it did little to improve Haas’ results. On the other hand, Komatsu has focused on teamwork and efficiency, yielding better results in just a short time. To add to that, Steiner’s work with cost-cutting in a time when F1 was imposing the cost cap certainly didn’t make him popular. 

Biggest upgrade of the season? Haas brings back a larger pitwall after saving $250,000 in 2023!

#F1 #HaasF1 #PreSeasonTesting #BahrainGP pic.twitter.com/hESQsx8eNC

— F1grids (@F1gridx) February 27, 2025

In 2023, he defended his move and said, “With three seats, we can cover what we need to cover and rearrange. It’s saving money to put into development.” At the time, Haas was not competitive and needed every possible financial advantage. The team had to work within the budget cap while trying to improve its performance. Adding to his troubles was a string of drivers who kept crashing. Mick Schumacher’s crash bill in his rookie season went over $2 million and Nikita Mazepin’s 2021 season became legendary among fans for his wrecks. 

However, since his departure, things have changed dramatically for Haas. In their first season with Komatsu, a solid finish in the Constructors’ Championship earned them a massive $87 million. That financial boost has allowed them to restore a full-size pit wall. The team has also expanded its workforce, hiring new personnel to prepare for the 2026 regulations. Many believe that Haas’ recent growth has exposed Steiner’s approach as flawed. While his decisions may have been necessary at the time, they didn’t lead to success. With more resources and a fresh leadership approach under Ayao Komatsu, the team is already making significant strides.

Fans don’t see eye-to-eye with Gunther Steiner’s leadership approach!

The return of the larger pit wall has sparked heated reactions from fans. Many are now calling out Gunther Steiner’s leadership, claiming his cost-cutting approach did more harm than good. While he was a fan-favorite character on Drive to Survive, his actual performance as a team principal is being condemned. A fan summed up the sentiments and said, “Guenther was only good for Netflix.” Even Guenther Steiner couldn’t help but admit his part in DTS put Haas on the map for most fans. He even went as far to fight a lawsuit against Haas about it, before both parties settled last weekend. His blunt, no-filter personality made him a fan favorite. However, some argue that his entertainment value overshadowed his actual results. Haas remained a backmarker throughout his tenure, and fans now believe his leadership wasn’t as effective as it seemed on camera

Another user echoed his sentiments and said, “We all love Steiner as a character, but you need to recognize that Haas and Red Bull did way better after he left.” Notably, Steiner was a part of Red Bull when they first acquired Jaguar. Steiner and Christian Horner worked closely up until 2008, when the former decided to move to the US to help Red Bull set up their NASCAR team. Coincidently, Red Bull’s form improved after that year, with 2010 even bringing their first Drivers and Constructors titles. While Sebastian Vettel and Adrian Newey’s arrival helped, but Red Bull had also drastically changed their managed when Steiner left for NASCAR.  

Meanwhile, some fans also questioned his presence in the Haas team and felt that he was the biggest issue there. “Ayao proved in one season that Guenther was the biggest issue Haas had,” wrote a user. Why does it seem so? Under Komatsu’s leadership, Haas secured P7 in 2024, improved car development, and gained financial stability. In just one season, Haas seems more structured and competitive than it ever was under Steiner. Fans see this as proof that Gunther Steiner’s leadership was holding the team back. “Ayao proved in one season that Guenther was the biggest issue Haas had,” another user echoed the sentiments. 

The post Fans Turn On Gunther Steiner After Handing Harsh Reality Check on $250,000 Worth Incompetency appeared first on EssentiallySports.

A year later, there seems to be some resolution for both parties. Having sued Haas F1 for profiting from his work with Drive to Survive and other media appearances, the Italian has dropped the suit in a surprising twist of events.

Guenther Steiner chooses to settle behind closed doors

Rather than fight it out in court, both sides chose mediation. On February 10, 2024, they reached a settlement. North Carolina court records confirmed the agreement. Steiner dismissed all claims with prejudice, ensuring he could never refile. Haas Formula, LLC released a statement: “Guenther Steiner has withdrawn all allegations previously made in his lawsuit, and all claims asserted against Haas Formula, LLC have been dismissed with prejudice.” The details remain undisclosed. No confirmation of compensation. No admission of wrongdoing. Just a quiet end.

Steiner had taken Haas Formula to court over unpaid commissions from 2021 to 2023. He claimed the team continued profiting from his name and likeness even after his departure. His legal team pointed to Drive to Survive, arguing that his outspoken persona had turned Haas F1 into a fan favorite, especially in the U.S. market. He believed the team built its identity around him—then cast him aside while still cashing in on his image. And to an extent, it was true. Haas F1 turned into a fan favorite on the Netflix show. Whether it was Steiner’s rants or his way of keeping things entertaining for fans, he was a clear favorite.

Then, when Haas couldn’t maintain a clear string of results despite their positive start to the 2022 regulations, Haas decided to let him go. It wasn’t just a business decision. It was a severing of the face that had defined the team since its F1 debut in 2016. Steiner had been more than a team principal—he was the voice, the attitude, and the spirit of Haas F1. He turned a midfield struggler into one of the most recognizable teams on the grid, not for its results, but for its raw, no-nonsense leadership. Yet, when his contract ended, there was no farewell, no tribute—just silence.

Now, with the legal battle over, it seems there finally might be some resolution, considering the statement from Haas. “Haas Formula, LLC is pleased to announce that Guenther Steiner and Haas Formula, LLC have resolved their dispute, that Guenther Steiner has withdrawn all allegations previously made in his lawsuit, and all claims asserted against Haas Formula, LLC have been dismissed with prejudice. Both Mr. Steiner and Haas Formula, LLC wish each other success in their future endeavors and will have no further comments on this matter.”

And while the legal matter is resolved, Steiner has no qualms about making his thoughts known about his former boss. And he isn’t being kind at all. In a book he worked on about his experiences working at Haas, Steiner explained one memory that stood out when Haas insisted on giving him baked beans to eat on a private jet. He revealed to his writer, “This is real. I told the ghostwriter that story, and he said, ‘Are you f——  making this s— up? No, this is true! This is what I lived for 10 years!” 

With Steiner working on several projects, perhaps fans will see more of his experiences with the American team.

What has Steiner been up to since exiting Haas?

Having worked in F1 for over 10 years in a senior role for a team, suddenly having a lot of time on your hands wasn’t going to be easy for Guenther Steiner, but it seems the Italian had some plans on his plate for the future. He already started work with The Red Flags podcast to promote the sport in America. Given his popularity in the country, it won’t be too difficult for him, especially since his outspoken nature is highly appreciated among the fans.

Apart from this Steiner’s book, Unfiltered has been one of his biggest projects after his time at Haas. The 10 years he spent establishing the team and bringing it to its current stage has been one that has fans excited. Just last year, Steiner went across a tour of the United Kingdom promoting his book, with fans showing up in droves to meet the ex-Team Principal.

Spending time outside of the paddock, Steiner has realized one thing. Despite the highs and lows of his time at Haas, the Italian things he should have exited sooner. “When you see it clearly, it’s like, ‘why the hell did I stay so long?” 

Whether his exit at Haas actually helps the team, in the long run, will only be seen once the 2026 regulations kick in and the team’s results come in. Only then will Gene Haas and Steiner both understand how much Ayao Komatsu has really brought to the table.

The post Guenther Steiner Ends Lawsuit Drama Against Gene Haas After Supposedly ‘Winning Big’ in Year-Long Struggle appeared first on EssentiallySports.

No focus on Formula 1 for Shwartzman

The young Russian-Israeli driver has partnered with his former junior Formula team, PREMA Racing, who are making their bold leap into the INDYCAR scene. With a debut in Charlotte, North Carolina, PREMA—a name synonymous with developing F1 talent—is aiming high in its new endeavor. And with Shwartzman leading the charge, there’s an air of quiet confidence that they’re here to make an impact.

PREMA Racing, a powerhouse in junior formula racing, officially unveiled its INDYCAR entry for the 2025 season on January 10th. The announcement, hosted at General Motors’ Charlotte Technical Center, brought plenty of fanfare—and for good reason. PREMA’s lineup includes Robert Shwartzman and Callum Ilott, set to drive the team’s No. 90 and No. 83 Chevrolet-powered cars. For Shwartzman, this marks a return to the team that helped him achieve some of his most significant milestones, including the 2019 FIA Formula 3 Championship and six F2 victories.

In a conversation with journalist Bob Pockrass, Shwartzman addressed the big question on everyone’s mind: Why leave Formula 1 behind?

“It doesn’t depend on me. In Formula One there is quite a lot of things going around that I have no control of. I come here with the thought that this is a place where I’m gonna be racing for quite a while,” Shwartzman said honestly. “My target is to bring myself and the team to the top level… If there’s obviously any interest from Formula One we’re gonna discuss… But I don’t put my focus on it. My focus here is to bring up the car in P1.”

Robert Shwartzman leaves his role as Ferrari F1 reserve driver to race IndyCar full time in 2025 for Prema. He explained to me how he views the move in relation to any F1 hopes in the years down the road ⁦@IndyCarOnFOX⁩ pic.twitter.com/7ms9hEsct4

— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) January 10, 2025

Shwartzman’s path to INDYCAR hasn’t been a straightforward one. After two stellar F2 seasons that showcased his raw speed and talent, the doors to a full-time Formula 1 seat remained frustratingly closed. While he was definitely in contention for the title, he lost out on the F2 championship to his teammates, Mick Schumacher and Oscar Piastri in 2020 and 2021, respectively. This may have hurt his chances as while he could compete on the level of his teammates and even beat them, consistency is where he suffered.

Despite his role as Scuderia Ferrari’s test and reserve driver—which included free practice sessions—Shwartzman found himself competing in the Prancing Horse’s endurance racing program to keep his skills sharp. Wins in the FIA World Endurance Championship Hypercar class and at the Lone Star Le Mans proved his versatility, but it was PREMA’s new adventure in America that reignited his passion for open-wheel single-seaters.

PREMA’s American Dream

PREMA Racing’s decision to enter INDYCAR is as ambitious as it is exciting. Founded in 1983, the Italian team has long been a dominant force in junior categories, serving as a springboard for stars like Charles Leclerc, Oscar Piastri, and Esteban Ocon. But even with 80 championship titles to their name, PREMA wanted more.

“We were looking for a new challenge,” said team owner Rene Rosin. “The next step was quite natural, to be one of the most competitive and important championships worldwide. INDYCAR offers a variety of tracks—ovals, street circuits, road courses—and that’s a challenge we’re excited to tackle.”

Leading the effort alongside Shwartzman and Ilott is a supporting cast brimming with experience. Formula 1 and INDYCAR veteran Romain Grosjean joins as a reserve driver, while Ryan Briscoe brings his wealth of knowledge as an advisor. “The combination of talent and experience we’ve assembled is formidable,” said PREMA CEO Piers Phillips. “Robert’s adaptability across multiple series and Callum’s familiarity with INDYCAR will help us accelerate our learning curve.”

For Callum Ilott, the partnership with PREMA feels like a homecoming as well. Having raced for the team in Formula 3, Ilott’s familiarity with their methods and ethos could prove invaluable as they adapt to INDYCAR’s unique demands.

PREMA’s move also further cements the growing appeal of American motorsport as a viable alternative for drivers whose F1 aspirations have stalled, with former drivers like Marcus Ericsson and Romain Grosjean finding success in the series. Grosjean has been racing in the IndyCar series since 2021 and has racked up eleven top-5 finishes and 22 top-10 finishes.

For Shwartzman, the goal is simple yet ambitious. “INDYCAR has the best racing at this stage,” he said. “With PREMA, we’ve achieved so much in the past. I’m here to build on that and push this team to the top.”

The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on March 2, 2025, will be the first proper test for this new venture. For PREMA, the transition from junior formula dominance to the competitive world of American open-wheel racing is a chance to prove their already legendary mettle on a global stage. For Shwartzman, it’s an opportunity to reignite his career and perhaps, one day, circle back to the F1 dream that started it all.

The post Ferrari’s 25-Year Old Project Leaves Formula 1 For The American Dream appeared first on EssentiallySports.

Now, the class act that the driver is, he recently picked up a $5000 bill, impressing fans and colleagues alike. But why pick the hefty bill? We tell you all about it.

Valtteri Bottas picks up the tab as rumors swirl over farewell

With the world championship and heavy bragging rights on the line, the upcoming race is a momentous occasion for the F1 drivers. All racers have several different reasons to clinch the win. However, one driver has a special reason for why they aim to emerge victorious. That is because this next race could be his final goodbye to the racetrack for the time being. So Valtteri Bottas aims to leave the team on a high note.

The Sauber driver is not eyeing the following season, but all things considered, the driver has made a remarkable comeback at the Yas Marina circuit. He qualified ninth, and it feels like he might have a chance to achieve his last race dream, with Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc starting out of position. So, for the dinner, he picked up a massive cheque for the colleagues and told Adam Cooper, motorsports reporter, “I think it was worth it. In Q1, I got some nice tows from some people on the back straight, so I think it was definitely worth it…” It’s believed that the 2025 focused update to the car is to be credited for the performance update. However, for Bottas, it may have come too late.

Valtteri Bottas races for Kick Sauber and has had an impressive career with ten race wins, 20 pole positions, 19 fastest laps, and 67 podium finishes. One interesting fact about him is that he has the most career points—1,797—without ever winning a World Championship. “All my laps were some of the best laps I’ve delivered, and it just kept going, lap by lap,” said Bottas for the qualifying race that has made the headlines. For today, he has one aim: to finish within the top 10.

I asked @ValtteriBottas about picking up the €5000 bill for the GPDA dinner: "I think it was worth it. In Q1 I got some nice tows from some people on the back straight – so I think it was definitely worth it…"

— Adam Cooper (@adamcooperF1) December 7, 2024

The qualifying race was particularly significant for Bottas, as he outraced Red Bull’s Sergio Perez. Sauber has decided to let go of Bottas and replaced him with Formula 2 champion Gabriel Bortoleto and current Haas driver Nico Hulkenberg.

It’s worth noting here that Bottas is not the only one leaving his team after today’s race. Lewis Hamilton and Carlos Sainz, the former from Mercedes and the latter from Ferrari, are also leaving. Both echo Bottas’ sentiment: “I need to make sure that I really, really enjoy every moment of it.”

What’s next for Bottas?

Well, there is a rumor that he might be the next driver for Red Bull, which is not improbable. His being listed as a driver for the team at the F1 store might be the culprit. That has caused people to ask him if there is news surrounding the move But if the racer is to be believed, it’s just a rumor. Red Bull has not officially announced its final driver line-up. The team also seems poised to let go of Sergio Perez because of his struggles in 2024. Liam Lawson is being highlighted as the top choice to take his place, surpassing teammate Yuki Tsunoda.

As per Motorsport Week, Red Bull has struggled to find an adequate second driver alongside Max Verstappen. Bottas has been touted as an available option that could fill that void. However, the racer himself stated that some people within Red Bull don’t like him, mentioning that a proposal he made earlier faced rejection.

For now, he will be a reserve driver for Mercedez in 2025. Meanwhile, here’s hoping he returns full-time in 2026.

What are your thoughts on Bottas’ retirement for the time being?

The post Lewis Hamilton’s Best Teammate Picks Up $5000 Bill Leading Him to a Memorable Start to the 2024 Finale in Abu Dhabi appeared first on EssentiallySports.

Speaking on the final Weekend Warm-Up show of the year in Abu Dhabi, broadcasters Laura Winters, Lawrence Barretto, and Will Buxton didn’t hold back in their assessment of the challenges awaiting Doohan.

Jack Doohan steps into a complex role

Esteban Ocon’s turbulent departure from Alpine has unexpectedly paved the way for F2 up-and-comer Jack Doohan’s highly anticipated Formula 1 debut. While this might seem like a breakthrough for the 21-year-old Australian, it comes against the backdrop of ongoing chaos at Alpine. Ocon’s early exit highlights deeper issues within the team, as Alpine faces the fallout of mismanagement and the challenges of nurturing fresh talent in Doohan.

Laura Winter described Ocon’s final Alpine race as “a shame,” pointing to how the situation overshadowed his years of effort. But the instability at Alpine—rooted in leadership changes and inconsistent results—has created an atmosphere that’s far from ideal for any driver. Flavio Briatore and Luca de Meo’s involvement hasn’t led to the stability many had hoped for, leaving team principal Oliver Oakes with a monumental task.

Will Buxton captured the uncertainty perfectly, stating: “Jack’s not walking into an easy environment. That place has been a mess the last two, three seasons. It’s not been a happy place.”Alpine’s reputation has taken a hit in recent years, losing icons like Fernando Alonso and Alain Prost, who left their mark as a driver and consultants, respectively.

For a team with aspirations of reclaiming its Renault-era glory, the past few seasons have been anything but inspiring. Doohan, while immensely talented, must navigate these challenges as he begins his F1 career. Buxton didn’t shy away from addressing the team’s challenges: “Ollie is managing to grab a hold of that team and set them on the right path, but Jack’s walking into a team that’s still trying to figure itself out.” Buxton offered a candid reminder: “That team’s been a mess, but Ollie is working hard to fix it. Jack has potential, but this will be a test of more than just his driving skills.”

Doohan’s debut comes at a critical moment when Alpine is locked in a constructors’ battle, needing every point it can get. While Ocon’s experience would have been valuable, his recent struggles, including underwhelming performances in Qatar and disputes over equipment, decided to put Doohan in the car easier.

Esteban Ocon’s rocky Alpine journey

Esteban Ocon’s time at Alpine has been a rollercoaster. The highs were undoubtedly impressive, like the shock win in Hungary in 2021 and the double podium finish in the wet alongside Pierre Gasly at the 2024 Brazilian Grand Prix. But the lows, including a disastrous Monaco Grand Prix collision with Gasly, defined his final season and soured his relationship with the team. By the Qatar Grand Prix, where Ocon lagged far behind his teammate, the writing of Alpine’s disaster was on the wall.

Ocon’s move to Haas provides him a fresh start, but it also highlights how fraught his Alpine stint became. Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, who manages Ocon, alluded to the complexities of the transition, saying: “If stepping aside early helps Esteban get ready for Haas, then it’s worth discussing. But it’s clear this situation has been challenging for everyone involved.”

While Alpine’s leadership insisted the decision to give Doohan an early start was mutual, insiders suggest Ocon’s frustration with the team made the arrangement convenient for both sides. As Alpine closes a chapter with Ocon, the team’s future now rests on steadying the ship for 2025. Doohan, while promising, faces the dual challenge of proving himself in F1 and navigating an unstable team environment.

For Ocon, the move to Haas represents a chance to reset and compete in a different atmosphere. Yet, his tenure at Alpine remains a cautionary tale of what happens when talent and management clash. Both drivers face critical years ahead, but for now, all eyes are on Abu Dhabi, where a new era begins for Alpine and Jack Doohan.

The post 21-YO F1 Debutant Sent a Strong Message by Insider After ‘Messed’ Alpine Sacked Esteban Ocon appeared first on EssentiallySports.

The American-European confluence in Sin City was followed up by F. They gave the green light to Andretti Global in conjunction with General Motors. As a result, not only was the 1978 Formula One World Champion’s wish fulfilled, but F1 saw a rapid boost to its global reach.

F1 gets quick reward for roping in Mario Andretti

Max Verstappen won his fourth title in a row at Saturday’s Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix. But F1’s viewership growth has been slower lately, with 1.12 million viewers, as compared to Verstappen’s 2022 and 2023 stints. Nonetheless, F1 is now more popular as it ticks all the boxes on the audience expansion checklist – youth, women, and ethnic minorities watch F1 more. Now, the sport is ready to expand this audience to the USA with Mario Andretti’s arrival.

On Monday, F1 announced it reached “an agreement in principle with General Motors to support bringing GM/Cadillac” to the grid as the sport’s 11th team in 2026. Andretti Global will run the team. The results were instant and jaw-dropping. Within a day of Formula One’s link-up with Mario Andretti, the stock market soared. NASCAR journalist Adam Stern reported the changes: “@F1’s stock hit a 52-week high today after granting @GM its long-running bid to enter the series in 2026.” 

Bringing millions of new eyes to the sport, this profitable consequence is sure to attain new heights. However, certain changes contributed to this outcome. Michael Andretti, co-founder of Andretti Global and former IndyCar and F1 driver was apparently a divisive figure, with an unpopular confrontational approach. It was only after he stepped down from his role and Dan Towriss stepped in that F1 agreed to go ahead.

.@F1‘s stock hit a 52-week high today after granting@GM its long-running bid to enter the series in 2026. pic.twitter.com/zThNWmB7C2

— Adam Stern (@A_S12) November 26, 2024

Now Mario Andretti, the F1 sensation, will serve in an advisory capacity in the Cadillac team. Greg Maffei, president, and chief executive officer of F1 commercial rights holder Liberty Media, said: “With Formula 1’s continued growth plans in the US, we have always believed that welcoming an impressive US brand like GM/Cadillac to the grid and GM as a future power unit supplier could bring additional value and interest to the sport.” 

General Motors’ involvement drew the admiration of the president of F1’s governing body the FIA, Mohammed Ben Sulayem as well. “General Motors is a huge global brand and powerhouse in the OEM world and is working with impressive partners.”

This massive turn of events brought an emotional smile to Mario Andretti himself.

Bridging two worlds

Mario Andretti is probably the most successful driver to drive as an American. However, he was born in Italy and stayed there until 15 years of age. After establishing world-class fame in F1 – in 1978, he picked up 6 victories on his way to the championship – Andretti confessed he wanted to build a truly American team with an American driver.

“My first love was Formula 1, and now – 70 years later – the F1 paddock is still my happy place. I’m absolutely thrilled with Cadillac, Formula 1, Mark Walter, and Dan Towriss,” Mario Andretti said in the announcement. “To still be involved at this stage of my life — I have to pinch myself to make sure I’m not dreaming.” The 84-year-old further professed his love of racing: “I’ll help where I can, a non-executive role with the team, not involved in day-to-day operations (because I don’t want a job), but offering advice, inspiration, friendship anywhere I can. I am beyond fortunate.”

The big boost announcement of GM’s entry to F1 may be an obvious impact of an American manufacturer and team joining the sport. Apart from Haas, there is no American team on the grid. However, with Liberty Media’s expansion plans in the US, GM’s entry may just be the perfect next step for the American expansion. F1 tested the waters first with the Miami GP, and then the Las Vegas GP. More importantly, it can be a stepping stone for American drivers on the grid.

Evidently, things are hunky-dory at present between F1 and Andretti Global. As the American motorsports team takes strides internationally, let us wait to see what it achieves next year. Phil Hill of Florida was one of the first American-born Formula One champions (winning the Italian Grand Prix in 1961). Logan Sargeant, a Florida native, became the first American F1 driver since 2015 when he raced in 2023. But Sargeant lost his ride in 2024. Finally, F1 is allowing Andretti’s dream to materialize – and the motorsports veteran is ecstatic about it.

The post F1 Played the Long Game With the Andretti Family’s Rejection Propelling Them to New Heights appeared first on EssentiallySports.

Carrying the burden of being 7x champ Michael Schumacher‘s son, Mick couldn’t handle the F1 pressure with Haas. Like Sargeant, his two years were filled with crashes that cost the American team around $3.35 million in reparations (as per Crash.net). But he is still the lesser of two evils. Sargeant has cost Williams nearly $5 million in 1.5 years.

After the 23-year-old American’s FP3 crash, which was his fourth of the year, Team Principal James Vowles was furious. “Hundreds of hours were invested in the update, it looks like it’s working, but there are only a few of them in the world,” he told Sky F1. “The worst part is when youâ€ve just introduced it and it ends up crashing into the wall on the track,” he dismally added.

According to F1 Insider, James Vowles is now indeed considering a short-term replacement for Sargeant starting from the next race at the Italian GP in Monza. And according to the murmurs, Schumacher Jr. is in the running.

But this still doesn’t explain why Schumacher is the favorite. Why isn’t Lewis Hamilton‘s successor Andrea Kimi Antonelli being given half a year of F1 experience before his debut in 2025? If not him, even Red Bull’s proven talent, Liam Lawson, might be available. But here’s why Schumacher has the best argument.

Sky F1 expert explains why Mick Schumacher trumps Kimi Antonelli and Liam Lawson for Williams swap

After Guenther Steiner axed Mick Schumacher from Haas, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff saved the German. He hired Schumacher as a reserve driver for the Silver Arrows. Soon after, McLaren made an agreement with Mercedes, making Schumacher a common reserve driver for both teams. So the 25-year-old knows the Mercedes engine (which McLaren and Williams use) like the back of his hand.

Apart from this, Sky F1’s Craig Slater also reveals why Williams is averse to putting Antonelli or Lawson alongside Alex Albon. “Could Kimi Antonelli be allowed into that seat to give him F1 practice before his year at Mercedes? I understand there is zero interest from Mercedes in putting Antonelli into the Williams,” he said.

Slater also explained how Lawson’s Red Bull ties could complicate a smooth swap. “It is also tricky for Williams to put Liam Lawson in there, who is part of the Red Bull program. Mick Schumacher, given his contractual availability, is perhaps the likeliest driver if Williams decide to switch out Sargeant,” he concluded in favor of the Alpine driver.

If Williams indeed puts Schumacher in their FW46, this would be his best shot at auditioning for the vacant Audi seat. The Italian GP would be his first test – a track where Williams could have an edge because of the upgrades and their straight-line speed. He has to prove himself in what will probably be his second and final shot at excelling in F1.

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We’ve already lost Jules Bianchi in 2015- it was at the Japanese GP and the racing conditions were terrible. That tragic incident led to stricter measures for rainy races. But since there are no parameters to control the drivers from hitting the barriers, Logan Sargeant had to relive the nightmares of Romain Grosjean from 2020. Luckily, both drivers have emerged safe and alive from their burning cars. But the fear had clearly gripped the grid, with people chanting silent prayers.

Logan Sargeant’s Zandvoort dreams may have come to an end as his FP3 meets a fiery end

On Friday, Nico Hulkenberg hit the barrier during FP2 and brought out the red flags. However, that accident wasn’t as severe as Sargeant’s. The American driver participating in the third and final practice session before the qualifiers had just set the fourth-fastest lap time at Zandvoort today. Everything seemed to go great, but it all ended quickly. Logan Sargeant dropped two wheels on the grass losing control and hitting the barriers on the exit of Turn 3 before bouncing back onto the circuit.

Had the situation been under control, Sargeant could’ve bounced back into the qualifiers with renewed confidence. However, this is not the case. The Williams driver quickly leaped out of the damaged car right after the crash as smoke began to engulf the rear of the stricken FW46. Soon flames began to lap up the squashed chassis. Passing drivers like George Russell slowed down to indicate that his peer had to escape from the burning car. Meanwhile, Charles Leclerc, Fernando Alonso, and others seemed equally concerned.

Logan crash causing a Red Flag
byu/cristi93 informula1

Fire marshals were able to extinguish the flames and return the damaged car to the William pits. But the impact was huge, and it looks most unlikely for Sargeant to participate in the qualifiers later today. The accident was massive and the damage to the barriers was also huge. This led to lengthy repairs, costing drivers valuable practice time in tricky conditions. Logan Sargeant was immediately rushed to the medical center for a quick check-up, given the volume of the accident. Most importantly, he was cleared of injury.

This accident and the flames that began to engulf Sargeant’s car bring back the horrific memories of watching former F1 driver Romain Grosjean’s car burn before our eyes. The 2020 Bahrain GP will be etched in the history of Formula 1 as one of the greatest nightmares of all time.

Sargeant’s burning car brought flashbacks from Romain Grosjean’s appalling crash in 2020

Former wingman of Haas, Romain Grosjean was quite a name in the F1 paddock. But who knew he’d become one of the drivers in F1’s history to defy fire? The fateful 2020 Bahrain GP changed the trajectory of his career. Grosjean had started the race in Sakhir from P19. The race had hardly moved a few laps when the Frenchman moved across the track and touched with Daniil Kvyat’s AlphaTauri before spearing off the track and into the barrier just after Turn 3. Grosjean’s car was heavy with fuel and was badly damaged in the crash.

The impact of  67G! A force that was equivalent to 67 times his body weight. By comparison, heavy braking in an F1 car produces about 6 Gs. The dreadful, hungry flames licked the entire body of the car, from the chassis to the rear. Fire marshals, medical team, and rescue teams rushed to the accident spot- hoping to find the Haas driver breathing. Every driver waited in the pits, praying that Romain would emerge alive. Miracles do happen! Just moments later Grosjean leapt from the burning wreckage as the marshals and safety officials began putting the fire out. A short statement from the team said: “Romain has some minor burns on his hands and ankles but otherwise he is ok. He is with the doctors just now.”

A gap of four years and nothing much has changed. The same fear of flames is deeply instilled in the hearts and minds of the F1 daredevils. Both Logan Sargeant and Romain Grosjean were lucky enough to fight the odds. Williams faces trouble as their chassis suffers damage for the second time. As of now, looking at the conditions, Sargeant most likely won’t be there for the Qualifiers, but for the race tomorrow, who knows?

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But it won’t come easy at all because the next generation of potential world champions is here. Unlike 2024, where the entire grid remained unchanged, 2025 will bring three new faces. Andrea Kimi Antonelli at Mercedes, Jack Doohan at Alpine, and Oliver Bearman at Haas: the trio has nothing to lose but a point to prove when they line up on the grid next year. Let us start off with the man of the moment.

Jack Doohan promises Daniel Ricciardo-like magic for Alpine

On the eve of FP1 at the Dutch Grand Prix, Alpine announced the promotion of Jack Doohan, their reserve driver. After amazing performances that made him the F3 runner-up and F2’s second runner-up, the French team snatched him before anyone else could and finally promoted him as Esteban Ocon’s replacement for 2025 and beyond. After all, Oscar Piastri had left them red-faced in 2022, and they couldn’t let such history repeat itself.

Being the son of 5x MotoGP champ Mick Doohan, the Aussie could turn out as the next Daniel Ricciardo. Like our beloved Honey Badger, Doohan is already media-ready. Being an insider and a racer who knows what drivers and teams go through year-round, he was hired by F1TV as a presenter alongside the likes of Will Buxton and Laura Winter. Doohan has been a part of nearly every post-race show for F1TV.

On the racing side, like his compatriot, Ricciardo, Doohan also started off as a Red Bull junior driver. Incidentally, they both were at the Milton-Keynes outfit from 2017 to 2019, before the Honey Badger abandoned the Verstappen challenge and jumped ship to Renault while Doohan continued for 2 more years in the junior program. In 2021, as Ricciardo left Renault for McLaren, Doohan made a “no-brainer” switch to Renault, which was rebranded to Alpine that year.

However, unlike Ricciardo, Doohan has had a much better junior career in F3 and F2. With the Enstone outfit finally fulfilling his F1 dream, he has nowhere to go but up. But the presence of two more rookies on the grid will only increase the pressure to perform. This brings us to Ferrari’s future star.

Oliver Bearman – the next Charles Leclerc

Fate is a funny thing. At the Saudi Arabian GP this year, Carlos Sainz‘s swollen appendix paved the way for Oliver Bearman to stun the world. The Ferrari reserve driver’s F1 call-up came earlier than anticipated. Though there wasn’t a dream circumstance leading to it, the teenager welcomed it with open arms nonetheless. And boy, did he prove himself to bag the 2025 Haas seat alongside Esteban Ocon.

At 18 years, 10 months, and 1 day old, Bearman set Jeddah ablaze and muscled his way from P11 to P7, leaving 7x champ Lewis Hamilton in the dust. Yet, the Ferrari-bound Mercedes driver was the first to congratulate and embrace him and also endorse him for a full-time F1 seat for 2025. Charles Leclerc was equally blown away and echoed Hamilton in showering praise on Bearman, who became the third youngest driver to make his F1 debut after Max Verstappen and Lance Stroll.

Lo and Behold! Haas put their faith in Ollie and he was announced as the first F1 rookie of 2025. Bearman’s junior career has been very impressive and boasts of two F4 championships (ADAC and Italian) and a second runner-up trophy in F3.

If we liken Bearman to Leclerc, his better-performing PREMA Racing teammate, Antonelli, becomes the Verstappen. Though the rookie duo’s relationship doesn’t date back to their karting days like Verstappen and Leclerc, they have seen a lifetime of friendship and rivalry in a shorter time. “Weâ€ve always been following each other and stepping up around the same time,” Bearman told Sky Sports. “Iâ€ve known Kimi for a long time, we raced each other a little bit in F4, a lot on the simulator, now weâ€re team-mates in F2. I hope for him that he will be in F1 as well because he deserves it.”

Andrea Kimi Antonelli – The Max Verstappen that Toto Wolff deserved

Doohan & Bearman’s contract announcements might have made waves, but Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s will cause shockwaves. For the 2025 Mercedes seat, the 17-year-old was up against the generational talent that he was likened to becoming in the future. Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff was desperately trying to lure Max Verstappen for the Lewis Hamilton-created vacancy. The Austrian didn’t want to miss his second shot at signing the reigning champ, having lost a 17-year-old Verstappen to Red Bull in 2014.

But because Red Bull has returned to stable waters after a turbulent patch, the Dutchman has decided to stay for 2025. This has nearly sealed Antonelli as Hamilton’s successor at Mercedes. In a hilarious turn of events, Wolff even accidentally confirmed his signing, which was otherwise set to be announced at the Italian GP, Antonelli’s home race. “The two drivers in our car next year have our full support. I want to make it work with George and Kimi,” he inadvertently said ahead of the Dutch GP.

Antonelli has been hailed the “best driver in an F3 car since Max Verstappen.” So, his replacing a 7-time champion in a victory-contender team is more than justifiable. Former Haas boss Guenther Steiner, who was very vocal about including younger drivers in F1, is also wholeheartedly backing him.

In 2025, with such rookies eyeing podiums and race wins, the competition will be unbelievable. Moreover, the grid will converge further and midfield teams like Aston Martin could be in the mix for more. Verstappen could still win the championship but it’ll get as close as 2021 controversially did. Between wheel-t0-wheel battles between racers from 3 generations and setting up for the 2026 regulations reset, teams are in for a wild ride.

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