This Week in Motorsport
Leadership Shakeups, Global Race Deals, and New Horizons on the Horizon
Welcome to Business of Speed.
It’s been another action-packed week across the motorsport world, with major headlines on and off the track. From high-profile leadership changes and bold new race deals to regulatory shake-ups and circuit upgrades, the business of speed is moving fast.
Formula 1’s global footprint continues to expand, with long-term commitments in Canada and Las Vegas, a $1.2 billion bid to bring the show to Bangkok, and fresh momentum for venues in South Africa and Turkey. Meanwhile, the paddock is buzzing with team signings, governance drama, and the latest on sustainability and diversity initiatives. Dive in for the stories shaping the future of racing, from the boardroom to the pit lane.
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F1: THE MOVIE EARNS PRAISE FOR THRILLING RACING, MIXED REVIEWS ON STORY
Brad Pitt’s “F1: The Movie,” directed by Joseph Kosinski, has hit theaters to strong buzz and generally positive reviews from critics, earning an 84% score on Rotten Tomatoes and 69% on Metacritic. Reviewers widely agree that the film’s adrenaline-charged racing sequences and Pitt’s charismatic performance are the main attractions, with Kosinski’s immersive camera work putting viewers right in the cockpit. However, many note the story leans heavily on familiar sports drama tropes and feels at times like a glossy commercial for Formula 1, with some clunky exposition and predictable plot beats. Still, for motorsport fans, the authenticity and spectacle deliver a crowd-pleasing blockbuster experience, even if the narrative doesn’t always keep pace with the action. Read More
A reminder, I think you should watch this in theaters. IMAX if possible.
KFC LAUNCHES F1 THE MOVIE COLLAB WITH RETURN OF $7 FILL UPS
KFC is shifting into high gear this summer with the return of its $7 Fill Ups meal deal, celebrating a new partnership with F1 THE MOVIE. The campaign features a playful “Box Box” ad, blending the fast-paced energy of a Formula 1 pit stop with the drive-thru experience as KFC crew members hand over hot Fill Ups in race-day style. Alongside the meal deal, KFC is introducing a new Mountain Dew Sweet Lightning Peaches & Cream Soda, capitalizing on the viral dirty soda trend. As the exclusive quick service restaurant partner for F1 THE MOVIE, in theaters June 27, KFC invites fans to fuel up and join in on high-stakes fun all summer long. Read More
THAILAND APPROVES $1.2 BILLION BID TO BRING F1 RACE TO BANGKOK
Thailand’s cabinet has greenlit a $1.2 billion budget to formally bid for a Formula 1 Grand Prix in Bangkok, targeting a debut as early as 2028 on a five-year contract. The proposal includes building a 3.54-mile street circuit around Chatuchak Park, northeast of the city center. Government officials emphasize the race’s potential to boost tourism and the national economy, with the project modeled after the economic successes of recent Formula 1 events, such as Las Vegas. Williams driver Alex Albon, who has been involved in discussions, called the government’s commitment “very serious,” reflecting growing momentum for a Thai Grand Prix. Read More
FORMULA 1 WILL RACE IN CANADA THROUGH 2035
The Canadian Grand Prix will remain on the Formula One calendar until at least 2035 following a four-year contract extension announced by Octane Racing Group and government officials. The previous deal ran through 2031, having already been extended by two years after the COVID-19 pandemic canceled the 2020 and 2021 editions. Officials have pledged $117 million over four years as part of the new contract with F1 owners Liberty Media. Read More
FORMULA 1 WILL RACE IN LAS VEGAS THROUGH 2027
The Las Vegas Grand Prix has secured a two-year contract extension, keeping the race on the Formula 1 calendar through 2027. Originally added to the schedule in 2023 on a three-year deal, the event has overcome initial challenges, including high ticket prices and track issues, to become one of the season's highlights. For 2025, the race start time has been moved from 10 p.m. to 8 p.m. The event has significantly boosted Las Vegas's economy, generating $934 million in revenue in 2024. Read More
RENAULT CEO LUCA DE MEO IS LEAVING THE ORGANISATION
After five successful years at the helm, Luca de Meo has announced his resignation as CEO of Renault Group, effective July 15, 2025. The Italian executive, who led the company's "Renaulution" turnaround strategy focusing on electrification, is reportedly set to join luxury group Kering, owner of fashion brands including Gucci. Under his leadership, Renault returned to profitability and launched several key electric vehicles, including the retro-styled Renault 5. Read More
TEAM PRINCIPAL JAMES VOWLES SIGNS NEW LONG-TERM CONTRACT WITH WILLIAMS
Williams Racing has secured the future of Team Principal James Vowles with a new long-term contract. The 48-year-old former Mercedes strategist, who joined Williams at the start of 2023, has overseen significant improvements with the team currently sitting fifth in the constructors' standings. Vowles has been instrumental in signing Ferrari race winner Carlos Sainz to partner Alex Albon and has made no secret of his ambition to return Williams to championship glory. Read More
FIA SUSPENDS DEREK WARWICK FROM CANADIAN GP OVER "UNAUTHORISED MEDIA COMMENTS"
The FIA suspended driver steward Derek Warwick from officiating at the Canadian Grand Prix following comments he made to the media. The 70-year-old ex-Formula One driver's remarks, circulated by a gambling platform after the Spanish Grand Prix, included opinions about a penalty given to Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton's move to Ferrari. Warwick acknowledged his comments were "ill-advised" and will resume his duties at the upcoming Austrian Grand Prix. Read More
MOHAMMED BEN SULAYEM'S AMENDMENTS TO FIA STATUTES AND ETHICS CODE PASSED WITH A LARGE MAJORITY
The FIA General Assembly has voted through changes to the governing body's statutes and ethics code proposed by President Mohammed Ben Sulayem. The amendments, which passed with an 83.35% majority for statute changes and 88.83% for ethics code modifications, bring forward the deadline for potential presidential candidates to declare and increase the president's influence on FIA Senate membership. Critics argue these changes diminish accountability while amplifying the president's power. Read More
FIA SACKS FIA HEAD OF SUSTAINABILITY, INCLUSION & DIVERSITY SARA MARIANI
Formula 1's governing body, the FIA, has dismissed Sara Mariani, who served as Head of Sustainability, Inclusion & Diversity for only 18 months. Her position was eliminated as part of an internal reorganization that redistributed her duties into two separate divisions. Mariani's departure continues a trend of leadership changes under Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who has dismissed several high-ranking officials over the past year while seeking re-election without opposition. Read More
FIA EXTENDS HYPERCAR HOMOLOGATION CYCLE UNTIL THE END OF 2032
The FIA has extended the homologation cycle for the World Endurance Championship's top-tier Hypercar class until the end of 2032. Originally set to conclude in 2029, this extension ensures long-term stability for the successful category that has grown from just three manufacturers in its inaugural 2021 season to eight in the current campaign. The move allows existing competitors to continue refining their platforms while giving new entrants like Genesis, Ford, and McLaren more time to develop their cars. Read More
IRON DAMES FORCED TO WITHDRAW FROM SIX HOURS OF THE GLEN
The Iron Dames Porsche team has been forced to withdraw from the Six Hours of Watkins Glen IMSA event. The all-female racing team, which competes with Manthey Racing, has faced several setbacks this season, including missing the Spa 24 Hours. Reports indicate that team member Karen Gaillard has been dealing with a foot injury, seen using crutches at Le Mans, which may have contributed to the team's inability to field a complete lineup for the American endurance race. See More
NEW IMAGES RELEASED OF RENOVATED HUNGARORING
The second phase of the Hungaroring's extensive renovation is progressing well ahead of the 2025 Hungarian Grand Prix. Currently, 620 people work daily on the circuit, with the paddock, main building, and main grandstand undergoing complete revamping. The project has used 23,785 cubic meters of concrete and 7,604 tons of reinforcing steel since last year's Grand Prix. If all goes according to plan, spectators at the 2025 Hungarian Grand Prix will experience the circuit's new look, though the whole renovation project will continue until 2026. See More
VANWALL AND ISOTTA FRASCHINI INTERESTED IN JOINING ASIAN LE MANS SERIES
Former FIA World Endurance Championship Hypercar competitors Vanwall and Isotta Fraschini have expressed interest in joining the Asian Le Mans Series when the Hypercar class is introduced for the 2026-27 season. Vanwall team boss Colin Kolles confirmed they would likely race their old Vanwall Vandervell 680 car, which competed in WEC in 2023. The Hypercar category in Asian Le Mans will be restricted to customer entries, providing a new competitive avenue for these teams. Read More
KYALAMI'S FIA GRADE 1 UPGRADE PLANS APPROVED
The Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in South Africa has received official FIA approval for its proposed Grade 1 upgrades, a crucial step toward potentially hosting Formula 1 again. The approval gives the circuit three years to complete the necessary safety and infrastructure improvements, including enhanced run-off areas, barrier systems, and drainage. No changes to the existing 4.5km track layout are required. Kyalami last hosted an F1 race in 1993 and could become the only Grade 1 circuit in Africa capable of hosting Formula 1. Read More
ISTANBUL PARK MANAGEMENT TRANSFERRED TO TURKISH MOTORSPORTS ASSOCIATION FOR RENOVATIONS
The management of Istanbul Park circuit has been transferred to new operators determined to revive Formula One in Turkey by 2026. Can Bilim Eğitim Kurumları A.Ş., partly owned by the chairman of Pirelli's Turkish branch, won a 30-year contract to operate the circuit for approximately $117.8 million. The new management is tasked with reaching an agreement within a month to bring F1 back to Turkey, with plans to begin infrastructure renovations. Istanbul Park last hosted F1 races in 2020 and 2021, following a previous stint from 2005 to 2011. Read More