Welcome to Friday’s edition of the RaceFans round-up.
Comment of the day
Formula 1’s latest rule tweaks may seem incomprehensible, but that is all part of the plan, says Robert:
Now we have the enormous crowds, merchandise, seating packages, and everything absurdly expensive. What exactly are all those knobs on the steering wheel for? There were rights to sell and money to be made. Pave paradise. I marvel at how complex it has become. I didn’t understand the last iteration of the rules (tell me again, specifically, how were they generating electricity from braking and turbo heat?), and nobody really knows how this new formula works, even as they are adjusting it on a race-to-race basis. I don’t believe that’s a formula for success, certainly not for long-term fan engagement. And what, Las Vegas? Who is that for?
I’m not saying they have to go all the way back — that’s wasted progress. Just race cars we could imagine driving. Many sports are accessible for fans to emulate: football, basketball, hockey, tennis, skiing, surfing — but Formula 1 has let the participatory connection slip away. The series decided entertainment is where the money is, treating the sport as theatre and promoting the idea that every competitor has a chance until the final lap. That attracts manufacturers, who bring funding and their own agendas. It’s fashionable, it’s trendy, and it draws attention. Ladies and gentlemen, step right up.
It’s about return on investment and creating value. We all know Max is right.
Robert Beck (@rbeck)
Social media and links
Formula 1 to race on the streets of Las Vegas through 2037 (F1)
‘Las Vegas Grand Prix, Inc., Clark County officials, and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) have committed to the long-term future of one of the standout events on the global sporting calendar.’
IndyCar officiating announces next phase in transparency, event reporting (IndyCar)
‘One takeaway from the initial months of IndyCar Officiating was the need for thorough infraction communication and comparisons to prior rulings to maintain transparency and consistency in rule implementation. Post-event reports will be clear in structure, process, and findings.’
The inside guide to life in the Principality (Aston Martin)
Jenson Button: ‘I’d love to drive the Aston Martin Valkyrie around Le Mans one day. It would be my chance to finally drive an Adrian Newey-designed car. As for the Indy 500, I have huge respect for those drivers but that’s not for me.’
FIA Completes McLaren Formula E Team’s Review Under the 2024-2025 FIA Formula E Financial Regulations Following the Team’s Exit (FIA)
‘McLaren Formula E Team voluntarily notified the Cost Cap Administration of a minor overspend breach of 4.54% (£555,628) of the Cost Cap before any formal investigation. The team cooperated fully and transparently. The overspend primarily stems from costs linked to the orderly wind-down of the team following the decision to exit the Championship at the end of season 11 and relates mainly to operational matters. There is no evidence of aggravating factors or that the team acted in bad faith.’
Le Mans 24 Hours: TR LH2 Racing Prototype (Toyota)
‘On Thursday 11 June (12.50pm) and Saturday 13 June (12.45pm), the TR LH2 Racing Prototype will complete demonstration laps of the 13.626km Circuit de la Sarthe, bringing the sound and sensation of a hydrogen combustion engine to fans.’
First-Ever Motorhome Tour (Cadillac)
1000th McLaren GP calls for a special @Lego lid pic.twitter.com/MLu1qFCvd2
— Oscar Piastri (@OscarPiastri) June 3, 2026
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- Find more official F1 accounts to follow in the RaceFans F1 social media directory
Happy birthday!
Happy birthday to Ratboy and DaveF1!
On this day in motorsport
- 80 today: Patrick Head, designer of several championship-winning cars for Williams
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