Indycar to f1 drivers

Top junior single-seater outfit Hitech GP is the latest team to declare their intention to join the Formula 1 grid in 2026 . Advert | Become a Supporter & go ad-free They doubled up yesterday’s announcement of their plans with news of major new investment in the team. But does that plus the team’s racing pedigree mark it out as being worthy of the coveted 11th slot on the grid? Founded by Oliver Oakes in 2015, it at least the third team to use the name ‘Hitech’. The former racer obtained permission to use the name from David Hayle, who launched the original Hitech Racing team in 2003 to race in British Formula 3, and knew Oakes as a World Karting Championship-winning youngster. Another Hitech squad raced in Brazilian F3, but Oakes brought the name back to European competition when he was just 27. Oakes’ entity was also launched with the intention of competing in F3, and made its first appearances in 2015 at the end of the European championship season. Right … [Read more...] about Hitech’s high hopes: The billionaire-backed F2 team planning a leap up to F1

Andretti Autosport boss Michael Andretti has responded to suggestions that his team should buy out an existing outfit in Formula 1 if they want to join the world championship. Advert | Become a Supporter & go ad-free The paperwork to lodge interest in entering F1 in 2026 has already been submitted to the FIA by Andretti and other applicants. The governing body and F1 are considering whether to accept any of the submissions. Many of the current 10 teams have opposed calls to expand the grid by adding an 11th or further entries. Last week Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff said anyone wishing to join F1 should “buy a team” . However Andretti made it clear that is not an option at the moment. “We’ve tried. Nobody’s interested,” he told media at the Sardinia X-Prix, an event of the off-road Extreme E series his team competes in. “We’ve been to every single team. They keep saying ‘well, buy a team’, and nobody wants to sell! You go there, and they’re not even … [Read more...] about Andretti has ‘been to every F1 team’ about a buyout and ‘nobody wants to sell’

The 2024 IndyCar calendar has been announced, with a couple of changes for fans to expect from next season – including the return of a fan-favourite oval. The popular Milwaukee Mile returns to the calendar for two races in 2024, with the Indianapolis 500 set to take its usual late-May slot in its 108th running. The 17-race calendar will see plenty of up-and-coming talent face off against seasoned professionals at that level, as well as familiar faces from the world of Formula 1. IndyCar calendar released for 2024 After the traditional curtain-raiser in St. Petersburg in Florida, a non-points exhibition weekend at The Thermal Club will see drivers compete for a $1 million grand prize, with a tweaked weekend format that is geared up specifically for TV, with an open test and qualifications also taking place at the circuit near Palm Springs, California. As always, the month of May will see IndyCar descend on Indianapolis Motor Speedway, first for a round at its Road Course … [Read more...] about IndyCar 2024 calendar: Where will the ever-popular US series race next year?

It has been another busy day in the world of Formula 1, so it is time to catch-up on the major talking points. With Max Verstappen leaving all challengers in his dust, Ferrari have been told to whip out a “blank cheque” to prise the Dutchman away from Red Bull, while Andretti has cleared a major hurdle in their efforts to join Verstappen on the Formula 1 grid. Let us then dive into the action… Ferrari urged to launch mega-money Max Verstappen pursuit If any of Verstappen’s doubters after that stumble in Singapore have followed his suggestion, then right now they will be sucking on an egg as the Dutchman returned to top, unstoppable form with victory at Suzuka. That result ensured that Red Bull retained the Constructors’ title for F1 2023, while Verstappen is now closing in fast on a third World Championship title. So, how can rivals like Ferrari possible stop the Verstappen-Red Bull onslaught? Well, Tom Coronel suggests they dig deep into their pockets to lure Verstappen … [Read more...] about Ferrari urged to make major signing with Andretti F1 bid ‘successful’ – F1 news round-up

World Endurance Championship title holder and Le Mans 24 Hours winner Ryo Hirakawa has joined McLaren’s driver development programme. Advert | Become a Supporter & go ad-free Hirakawa will serve as one of the team’s reserve drivers in Formula 1 this year. His signing comes after IndyCar champion Alex Palou cut his ties with the team and chose to remain with Ganassi in the US series. McLaren confirmed Hirakawa will continue to drive for Toyota in WEC, where he leads the championship he won last year with his team mates Brendon Hartley and Sebastien Buemi. The 29-year-old is also in his sixth season of racing in Japan’s Super Formula series, where he currently races against drivers including AlphaTauri racer Liam Lawson . Hirakawa has won four races in the series and has a best championship position of second. McLaren has not indicated whether it plans to run Hirakawa in practice sessions, though his lack of F1 experience means doing so would count towards … [Read more...] about McLaren signs WEC champion and Le Mans winner Hirakawa as F1 reserve driver

After their plans for Alex Palou came to naught, McLaren have announced a new reserve driver for the 2024 season in Ryo Hirakawa. Last season McLaren signed Palou for the 2024 season with the Spaniard expected to race for the team in IndyCar while dovetailing that with Formula 1 reserve driver duties. However, a breakdown in the relationship means McLaren and Palou will next meet in court with McLaren seeking to recoup between $20 million and $30 million in damages stemming from Palou reneging on his McLaren contract. McLaren’s 2024 driver line is officially complete His departure from McLaren’s programme has opened for the door for 29-year-old Hirakawa, who’ll join the team for the 2024 championship. Fresh from re-signing Oscar Piastri , McLaren’s full line-up is now confirmed in their two race drivers, Piastri and Lando Norris, and their reserve driver, Hirakawa. Having spent much of his career in Super Formula and Super GT career, Hirakawa won the 2022 24 Hours of … [Read more...] about McLaren confirm surprise F1 2024 reserve driver plans after Alex Palou’s exit

Formula 1 heads from Marina Bay to Suzuka for the Japanese Grand Prix…can Red Bull bounce back after their Singapore disappointment? Find out and watch on F1 TV Pro this weekend! F1 TV Pro* viewers can watch all the live action from Japan completely ad-free! Click here for the ultimate F1 viewing experience. *Available in selected territories only. Click here to see eligible territories. Get closer to the action with F1 TV Pro With F1 TV Pro, you can watch every single live session from the entire record-breaking calendar completely ad-free, meaning you can watch the thrilling battle between Red Bull, Mercedes, Ferrari, Aston Martin and McLaren this season uninterrupted. The live sessions are also available on-demand and on-the-go, so you can catch up when you have the time or watch live wherever you are on your mobile devices. The F1 TV Pro replays also include live timing views and onboards. You will not miss a single moment! Your Grand Prix Weekend with F1 … [Read more...] about F1 live stream: Watch the Japanese Grand Prix weekend with F1 TV Pro!

Hirakawa will become part of McLaren's driver development programme, supporting the Woking team in its simulator as well as conducting a testing programme with its 2021 MCL35M car. The 29-year-old will dovetail his F1 testing role with his current drive for Toyota, with which he is currently leading the Hypercar class in the World Endurance Championship. Hirakawa and his team-mates Sebastien Buemi and Brendon Hartley are the reigning champions too, having won both the overall title and the Le Mans 24 Hours in 2022. “I’m happy to have joined the McLaren F1 team as a reserve driver," Hirakawa said on the margins of this weekend's Japanese Grand Prix. "It’s an exciting prospect to work with such a respected team and I’m grateful to Zak [Brown] and Andrea [Stella] for the opportunity. "I’ve already met the team and experienced the simulator at MTC which has allowed me to hit the ground running. I’m now fully prepared and focused for the remainder of 2023. "I am grateful … [Read more...] about McLaren signs Le Mans winner Hirakawa as F1 reserve driver

McLaren boss Zak Brown had a little dig at Alex Palou’s expense as he outlined the team’s reserve driver status for the rest of 2023. McLaren’s reserve driver pool was unclear following IndyCar Champion Alex Palou’s decision to cut and run from the McLaren IndyCar team before turning a wheel for them. Racing for Chip Ganassi Racing in 2023, Palou had been due to join McLaren’s IndyCar squad for next season, but severed ties with McLaren and his own management team – Palou’s decision not to join McLaren has resulted in a legal battle starting between the two sides. Who are McLaren F1’s reserve drivers? With Palou and McLaren at loggerheads heading into the part of the season where the Spaniard was expected to take part in a rookie practice session for the F1 team, McLaren have instead added a new name to their books. Former Haas driver Mick Schumacher, thanks to his Mercedes connection, remains one of the names available for call-up by McLaren, as well as Stoffel Vandoorne. … [Read more...] about Zak Brown lands Alex Palou dig as McLaren add new reserve driver to the fold