Podcast: James Hinchcliffe on racing after near-death
Plus: FormulaE, Williams, Heineken
In the latest episode of the podcast, James Hinchcliffe gets brutally honest about the psychology that separates race car drivers from normal humans, and why they lack the self-preservation gene most people are born with.
FormulaE reveals Gen4 car.
Formula E just unveiled its fiercest electric racer yet: the Gen4 car. With up to 804 hp in attack mode, permanent all-wheel drive, and advanced regen braking (up to 700 kW), this next-gen machine promises explosive acceleration and speeds topping 210 mph. Bridgestone returns as the tire supplier, while the car itself is fully recyclable and boasts 20% recycled content. Tech innovations include unlimited traction control and ABS for road relevance. Set for racing in 2026, the Gen4 era is expected to reshape the electric motorsport landscape with bigger, faster, and more sustainable competition.
We talked to Lee Zohlman, Director of the Americas for Formula E, on the podcast and talked a little bit about how the electric series is racing to change the game.
Heineken gives away F1 season ticket.
As part of Heineken’s renewed partnership with F1, they’ve launched the first-ever ‘season ticket’, which offers one fan and a guest flights and hotels to every grand prix. One winner will be selected each year, although I could see this being something F1 sells in the future.
Larson wins NASCAR Championship
Kyle Larson clinched his second NASCAR Cup Series championship at Phoenix Raceway, capitalizing on a late caution that pushed the finale into overtime and heartbreak for Denny Hamlin. Despite not leading a lap and facing setbacks early, Larson surged from fifth to capture the title while Hamlin, who led 208 of 319 laps, finished sixth, extending his championship drought. It’s Larson’s first title since 2021 and a dramatic end to a season marked by grit and racing luck.
The purse for winning the race was $12,394,135. Race winner Ryan Blaney collected 5.160% of the total race purse for a total of $639,537. Rick Hendrick is the winner of the owner’s championship; the No. 5 car team owner earned $2,840,000 for the award.
Williams is winning in the branding department.
From 2026, the team known as Atlassian Williams Racing will race as Atlassian Williams F1 Team. The logo rebrand is also bringing back Sir Frank Williams’ iconic ‘Forward W’, which, to me, is a beautiful touch.
In other Williams-related news, they’re set to race in Brazil this weekend with that beautiful Gulf livery. Enjoy it, because Williams “ate and left no crumbs” with this one (as the kids say).
Business of Speed will be at the Las Vegas Grand Prix! If you’re going to be in town at all that week, let’s connect.
