In a surprising revelation, US presidential candidate Kamala Harris has openly declared herself a fan of Formula 1, specifically highlighting her admiration for seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. This insight comes amidst a bustling period for global motorsport, with significant developments across Formula 1, IndyCar, and junior series.
Latest Motorsport Headlines and Insights
US Presidential Candidate Kamala Harris Endorses Lewis Hamilton and Formula 1
Democratic Party candidate for US president, Kamala Harris, recently shared her unexpected passion for Formula 1, telling Sirius XM, “It’s so good. We love it, our whole family does.” This public endorsement from a high-profile political figure underscores the surging popularity of F1 in the United States, a phenomenon largely attributed to factors like the Netflix series “Drive to Survive” and increased marketing efforts by Liberty Media, F1’s commercial rights holder.
When questioned whether her newfound interest was merely a campaign strategy, Harris firmly refuted the idea. “No, God no. Actually, I haven’t been able to watch it a lot recently because I am campaigning. Also, depending on where they’re driving, the time of day, you’ve got to wake up [early],” she explained, highlighting the dedication required to follow the global racing calendar. Her comments offer a glimpse into the lifestyle adjustments many fans make to catch races occurring in different time zones.
Harris specifically identified herself as a devoted fan of Lewis Hamilton, acknowledging his impending departure from Mercedes at the end of the year – a monumental shift set to reshape the F1 landscape. Hamilton’s move to Ferrari for the 2025 season is one of the most talked-about transfers in recent memory, carrying immense implications for both teams and the sport’s competitive dynamic. The fact that such a detail is top of mind for a major political figure speaks volumes about the sport’s growing mainstream appeal. It’s worth noting that Sirius XM previously had ties to F1’s commercial rights holder Liberty Media, although the companies have since split.
IndyCar Unveils High-Speed Arlington Street Track for 2026 Season
Advert | Become a Supporter & go ad-free
The NTT IndyCar Series has revealed exciting plans for a new street circuit in Arlington, Texas, set to host its inaugural race in 2026. The proposed 4.39-kilometre (2.73-mile), 14-turn layout promises high-octane action, featuring a remarkable kinked, 1.4-kilometre (0.87-mile) flat-out stretch between turns nine and ten. Series officials proudly state this will be one of the longest high-speed sections on the entire IndyCar calendar, pushing cars and drivers to their limits.
Reigning IndyCar champion Josef Newgarden, driving for Team Penske, expressed his enthusiasm and offered a thrilling prediction. He anticipates drivers will exceed 320 kph (200 mph) on this particular straight, underscoring the track’s potential for blistering speeds and dramatic overtakes. “So it’s going to be a very fast track,” Newgarden commented. “It’s a good layout, a lot of visibility with the way they’ve laid it out,” he added, suggesting that the design not only prioritizes speed but also aims to enhance the spectator experience.
Innovation is also a key feature of the Arlington circuit, which will incorporate a double-sided pit lane. This unique configuration was first seen at the Detroit street circuit, which successfully debuted on the IndyCar calendar last year, and is designed to optimize pit stops and strategy. Furthermore, the track will ingeniously pass beneath spectator areas at two separate points, creating immersive viewing opportunities and bringing fans closer to the racing spectacle. The addition of Arlington signifies IndyCar’s continued commitment to expanding its footprint in key markets and delivering thrilling, accessible motorsport events.
Stenshorne Tops Day One as Formula 3 Pre-Season Testing Commences in Jerez
The 2025 Formula 3 season preparation officially kicked off with pre-season testing at Jerez, Spain, where Trident’s Martinius Stenshorne set the pace on the opening day. The Norwegian talent posted the quickest time of 1’30.761, signaling a strong start to his campaign. He was closely followed by Mari Boya of Campos Racing, with Van Amersfoort Racing newcomer John Bennett securing a commendable third place, showcasing the competitive nature of the junior category.
The F3 paddock also saw significant announcements regarding driver placements for the upcoming 2025 grid, particularly from the esteemed Ferrari Driver Academy (FDA). Formula Regional European Champion Rafael Camara has secured a coveted seat with Trident, a powerhouse team in F3, setting high expectations for his rookie season. Meanwhile, fellow FDA member Tuukka Taponen has also landed a promising drive with ART Grand Prix, another top-tier outfit known for developing future F1 stars. These placements highlight the critical role of driver academies in nurturing young talent and providing a clear pathway through the single-seater ladder towards Formula 1.
McLaren Welcomes Ella Lloyd to F1 Academy and Junior Driver Programme
McLaren Racing has announced a significant addition to its driver development pipeline, confirming Ella Lloyd as their F1 Academy driver for the upcoming year. This strategic move underscores McLaren’s commitment to fostering diverse talent within motorsport and strengthening the F1 Academy’s mission to promote female drivers on their journey towards higher categories. Lloyd’s inclusion in the F1 Academy will provide her with invaluable experience and exposure on the international stage.
Beyond her F1 Academy commitments, McLaren will also offer Lloyd an exciting opportunity to test for their Formula E team at Valencia next month. This multi-faceted approach allows her to gain experience across different racing disciplines and further integrate into McLaren’s extensive motorsport operations. Lloyd, who has officially joined McLaren’s junior driver programme, made a notable debut in the F1 Academy series as a wildcard driver in Singapore, where she impressed by finishing both races in the points. Her strong performance built on a solid first season in British Formula 4 earlier this year, where she finished 11th overall. A highlight of her F4 campaign included a trio of second-place finishes, all achieved in partial reverse-grid races where she skillfully capitalized on starting from pole position, demonstrating her racecraft and potential.
Advert | Become a RaceFans supporter andgo ad-free
Further Reading: Essential Motorsport Stories and Analysis
Dive deeper into the world of motorsport with these compelling articles and discussions, offering broader perspectives on current events, historical narratives, and the future of racing.
‘F1 is definitely coming to SA,’ says Gayton McKenzie (The Citizen)
Political leader Gayton McKenzie expresses strong confidence in Formula 1’s return to South Africa. He claims F1 officials have outlined their requirements for a South African Grand Prix, and local organizers are committed to meeting these demands. This report fuels ongoing speculation about a potential race at Kyalami, a move highly anticipated by African motorsport fans.
He’s just turned 100 – and he’s gearing up for the fight of his life against the Australian Grand Prix (The Age)
This intriguing piece profiles a centenarian who is actively involved in a legal battle against the Australian Grand Prix. The community group he represents is challenging the event organizers (AGPC) on transparency, specifically regarding how attendance figures are calculated. A VCAT hearing on January 22nd could force the AGPC to reveal details of its methodology, following claims of 452,055 attendees at this year’s four-day event.
Rahal: ‘Sponsorship is key’ to RLL’s 2025 line-up (Racer)
Bobby Rahal of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLL) candidly discusses the critical role of sponsorship in shaping his team’s 2025 IndyCar driver lineup. Rumors suggest Hy-Vee, a major sponsor, might be reducing its involvement in sports properties, potentially impacting RLL’s budget and driver decisions. Rahal acknowledges the uncertainty and highlights the intense financial pressures on IndyCar teams.
‘He embraced the series’ – How ‘charismatic’ Ricciardo took on a starring role in Drive To Survive (F1)
This exclusive article from Formula1.com explores how Daniel Ricciardo’s vibrant personality and willingness to engage with the Netflix documentary series “Drive To Survive” transformed him into a global fan favorite. His candid interviews and behind-the-scenes access were instrumental in humanizing the sport and attracting new audiences, solidifying his ‘starring role’ status.
BMW ‘finally where it wants to be’ after Fuji success (WEC)
Following a significant performance boost at Fuji, BMW’s World Endurance Championship (WEC) team reflects on their journey in the Hypercar category. The team expresses pride in their progress since the program’s inception, suggesting that their recent success indicates they are now achieving the performance levels they initially targeted in the highly competitive WEC series.
Carbon Fibre: In WEC and F1 (Ferrari via YouTube)
Ferrari’s official YouTube channel presents an insightful video exploring the pervasive use of carbon fibre in both the World Endurance Championship (WEC) and Formula 1. The video likely delves into the material’s unparalleled strength-to-weight ratio, its manufacturing processes, and its critical role in enhancing vehicle performance, safety, and aerodynamic efficiency in top-tier motorsport.
F1 Manager 2024 – update 1.8 (F1 Manager)
Fans of the popular F1 Manager 2024 video game can review the latest patch notes for update 1.8. While not a comprehensive list of all ongoing development work, these notes detail crucial bug fixes, performance improvements, and possibly new features or tweaks designed to enhance the player experience and address community feedback.
Mercedes F1 team rehomes lizards found at HQ (BBC)
In a charming and unusual story, the Mercedes F1 team made headlines for its efforts in rehominng lizards discovered on their headquarters premises. The team humorously commented on the creatures’ speed, stating, “The team said the lizards were ‘incredibly fast which is obviously something we really like here’.” This anecdote offers a lighthearted glimpse into the daily life at an F1 team’s facility and their commitment to local wildlife.
We always endeavour to credit original sources. Got a tip for a link relating to single-seater motorsport? Please send it to us via the contact form.
Advert | Become a RaceFans supporter andgo ad-free
Social Media Pulse: What’s Trending in Motorsport
The digital world constantly buzzes with motorsport discussions, insights, and engaging content. Here’s a look at some notable posts making rounds on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok, offering real-time reactions and historical perspectives from the racing community.
…Brian Henton, Geoff Lees, Corrado Fabi, Jonathan Palmer or Mike Thackwell.
Or, indeed, Andy Soucek, Dean Stoneman, Mirko Bortolotti or Luciano Bacheta.#F2
— Keith Collantine (@keithcollantine) October 7, 2024
This tweet from respected motorsport journalist Keith Collantine sparks a discussion about Formula 2 and its historical context, likely referencing drivers who have competed in the series or its predecessors. Such posts often ignite nostalgic conversations among fans about past talents and the journey of young drivers through the feeder series.
Advert | Become a RaceFans supporter andgo ad-free
- Find more official F1 accounts to follow in the F1 Twitter Directory
Comment of the Day: Unpacking the Andretti F1 Controversy
In the often-heated discussions surrounding motorsport, fan perspectives frequently offer critical insights. Today’s featured comment delves into the complex situation surrounding Michael Andretti’s Formula 1 entry bid and his recent step down from leading his family’s racing operations.
RR offers his view on why Michael Andretti has stepped down in charge of his family’s team:
Dan Towriss through his Group1001 was always the one who was footing the bill for the Andretti’s F1 project – and to a great effect other Andretti’s racing endeavors, that was no secret.
What has changed though is that it became clear Andretti’s not-so-diplomatic approach did not work out, and GM / Cadillac was not happy about this. In a short period of time Andretti managed to start wars with FOM, Roger Penske and Rahal-Letterman-Lanigan IndyCar team. So Towriss basically threatened to pull out with all his money unless Michael Andretti steps down, to keep Cadillac on board and protect his investments.
RR
RR’s detailed comment sheds light on the internal and external pressures faced by the Andretti F1 project. It highlights the crucial financial backing provided by Dan Towriss and Group1001, not just for the F1 venture but also for other Andretti racing endeavors. The comment suggests that Michael Andretti’s confrontational approach in his pursuit of an F1 entry caused friction with key stakeholders, including Formula One Management (FOM), legendary team owner Roger Penske, and the Rahal-Letterman-Lanigan IndyCar team. This alleged lack of diplomacy reportedly displeased GM/Cadillac, who were set to be a technical partner. Ultimately, RR posits that Towriss’s threat to withdraw financial support forced Michael Andretti to step down, a strategic move aimed at appeasing partners like Cadillac and safeguarding substantial investments in the ambitious F1 project. This situation underscores the delicate balance of politics, finance, and relationships required to navigate the upper echelons of global motorsport.
Happy Birthday to Motorsport Personalities!
A quick shout-out to those celebrating another year around the sun:
Happy birthday to Toby and Jean!
On This Day in Motorsport History
Reflecting on significant moments from the past, here’s what happened on this day in motorsport:
- 30 years ago today, motorsport legends Mario Andretti and Nigel Mansell made their final CART IndyCar starts. This poignant event occurred at the season finale held at Laguna Seca, a race ultimately won by Paul Tracy. It marked the end of an era for two of the sport’s most iconic figures in American open-wheel racing.