The four-time world champion established Verstappen Racing in 2022 and has increasingly turned his attention outside F1, particularly through GT and endurance competition. That program has continued to grow, including a maiden GT World Challenge Europe Sprint Cup victory at Magny-Cours for the team earlier this month and Verstappen’s own Nurburgring 24 Hours debut in May. Speaking in a wide-ranging interview with Formule 1 Magazine, Verstappen outlined ambitious plans for the team, but made clear its future will not extend to the F1 grid. “By then, there should be a professional racing team competing for victories in the various racing classes,” he said when asked where he saw the team in the next 10 to 20 years. “Nothing more, nothing less. We’re not going to compete just because it’s fun to race. “We want to be at the front, win races, and, at the very least, consistently compete at the front.” Verstappen said the rate at which the operation developed could ultimately be influenced by his own F1 future. “That standard must always be there. The pace of further development also depends a little bit on my own choices for the coming years and what I do in Formula 1,” he explained. While further expansion is firmly on the agenda, the Dutchman said he intended for that growth to come through endurance racing rather than single-seater competition. “It’s definitely the goal to expand the racing team further. Specifically toward endurance racing, not toward Formula 1 or anything like that,” Verstappen said. View this post on Instagram He also firmly shut down the idea of Verstappen Racing entering F1 one day. “No, because that’s way too demanding,” he said. “Then I’d still be on the road for 24 races a year or very busy with my own racing team. “Outsource things?
Aug 11, 2026 · via speedcafe.com
Hyundai Motor is bringing Gran Turismo 7 competitive play to three cities across South Korea, with online qualifiers opening August 14. Hyundai Motor Company has unveiled the 2026 Hyundai N Virtual Cup, a Gran Turismo 7 sim racing esports tournament that organizers say will be the biggest staged in South Korea so far. Online qualifiers start this Friday with the top 24 players advancing to a three-round live circuit spanning the capital city, Yongin, and Busan over four months. With co-organization coming from the G-STAR Organising Committee and the Seoul Metropolitan Government, the tournament has backing well beyond what we normally see from a standard automaker marketing play. Gran Turismo 7 and the Asian Games connection Gran Turismo 7 has also been confirmed as an official esports discipline at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games in Japan, which gives it even more international cred. Hyundai itself is already embedded in that pipeline; back in May, the company supplied official sim racing equipment for the Gran Turismo 7 national team qualifier held at the first round of the Hyundai N Festival. Rather excitingly, players competing in the N Virtual Cup will get to race the Hyundai N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo, a concept car first flaunted by Hyundai at the IAA Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2015 (the same event at which it launched its N high-performance sub-brand). How the tournament is structured The live circuit breaks down across three events: | Round | Date | Venue | City | |---|---|---|---| | Round 1 | Sept. 20 | Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) | Seoul | | Round 2 | Oct. 30 | Everland Speedway | Yongin | | Round 3 | TBD | TBD | Busan | Round 1 at DDP runs alongside the Seoul Game and Esports Event (GES). Hyundai will
Aug 11, 2026 · via esports.gg
Hyundai Motor (005380.KS) said on the 11th that it will host the "2026 Hyundai N Virtual Cup," which it described as South Korea's largest simulation racing esports championship. Launched in 2024, the Hyundai N Virtual Cup is a simulation racing esports competition run in collaboration between the gaming industry and an automaker. Gran Turismo 7, a well-known global racing simulation game, has been selected as this year's official racing game for the Hyundai N Virtual Cup. The Hyundai N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo, a concept car that marked the debut of Hyundai's N brand in 2015, will appear in the game as the official race car. Gran Turismo 7 was previously adopted as an official esports event for the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. Hyundai Motor also provided official simulation racing equipment for the national team trials for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games' Gran Turismo 7, held during the first round of the Hyundai N Festival in May. For this competition, 24 of the country's top players, selected through online qualifiers beginning on August 14, will advance to the main stage. A range of other events, including a university student competition and an influencer competition, are also planned. Hyundai Motor said it aims to build a fan base for the N brand, expand its connection with the esports generation, and contribute to strengthening the global competitiveness of Korea's gaming industry and esports through the competition. "The Hyundai N Virtual Cup sim racing competition will offer customers an easier way to access motorsports and greatly contribute to spreading high-performance car culture in Korea," said Park Jun-woo, vice president of Hyundai Motor's N Management Division. "We hope more customers can experience Hyundai N through the familiar platform of gaming."
Aug 11, 2026 · via en.sedaily.com
11 Exciting Driving Games Still to Come in 2026 and Beyond 2026 poses a strange year not just for driving games, but for the video game industry as a whole, mainly because of one specific game that’s arriving in November. You know the one. This has basically forced every other game developer under the sun to rethink their release strategies, but there’s nevertheless plenty of driving and racing games to look forward to both for the remainder of this year and into the next. Let’s take a look, then at some of the most exciting that are due to arrive in the next year or so. Forza Horizon 6 on PS5 Release date: TBC 2026 Platforms: PS5 (obviously) That entire subheading would have been unthinkable just a few years ago, but with Microsoft loosening its exclusivity rights for a number of its flagship Xbox franchises, the sixth and perhaps greatest entry in the Forza Horizon franchise is making its way onto the PS5 in addition to the Xbox Series S/X and PC. Thankfully, there won’t be the near four-year wait between Xbox and PS5 releases there was for Horizon 5. Developer Playground games has confirmed that the PlayStation version of Horizon 6 will arrive at some stage in 2026, although exactly when is still unconfirmed. Hot Wheels Infinite Rush Release date: 10 September 2026 Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series S/X, Switch 2 What if Forza Horizon, but with Hot Wheels cars? That’s basically the elevator pitch for Hot Wheels Infinite Rush (ignoring the fact that previous Horizon games have already featured Hot Wheels-themed expansions). Infinite Rush will take place across four themed open-world islands, with upwards of 150 customisable vehicles split into four classes and spanning both original Hot Wheels models and licensed cars (notably, Ferrari is making its first
Aug 11, 2026 · via carthrottle.com
The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile has confirmed a second and third running of its MENA Esports Championship, which uses Gran Turismo 7 to find the quickest sim racers in the Middle East and North Africa.
The 2026 final will take place with an in-person event on 24th November, Amman, Jordan, while details of the 2027 event will be announced close to its commencement.
National qualifying for those in the set regions is open now until the middle of September, with the best progressing to regional qualifiers on 18th September. From there, the top 24 drivers move on to the FIA final this November.
It’s during this event that not only will a new MENA Esports champion be crowned, but the MENA Shootout for the Assetto Corsa Rally-utilising FIA Esports Global Rally Tour will take place. The top two rally drivers will then progress to the FIA Grand Final in the discipline, held in Shanghai during the FIA Awards.
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Aug 11, 2026 · via traxion.gg
Armstrong muscles to Caterham hat-trick on entertaining Knockhill weekend The Caterham Seven UK category made its latest British Touring Car appearance in Scotland, while Marshall's Porsche Sprint Challenge dominance came to an end Team Parker's Armstrong faced multiple threats in Scotland Photo by: JEP Defending champion Matt Armstrong claimed all three Caterham Seven Championship UK victories at Knockhill, on the category’s latest appearance on the British Touring Car support bill, but it was far from plain sailing. The Team Parker racer started a dry opener from pole position alongside Harry Senior, with points leader Taylor O’Flanagan nearly half a second behind in third. Armstrong and Senior quickly broke away from the pack and engaged in a race-long battle for the win, often at lap record pace. Although Senior applied severe pressure throughout, he was never quite close enough to mount a serious overtaking attempt. Armstrong duly held on for a narrow win, which would have been more comfortable but for a final lap bout of oversteer. The heavens opened above Knockhill ahead of race two, and the wet asphalt helped produce a scintillating three-way tussle up front. O’Flanagan was a subdued presence in the first bout but was back in the mix in the second encounter, joining the Armstrong-Senior battle with gusto. The moves came thick and fast among the trio, aided by the appearance of grippier wet lines through Duffus Dip and Taylor’s, with each of the main protagonists enjoying a spell out in front. However, just after the halfway point there was slight contact between O’Flanagan and Senior approaching Turn 1, forcing the latter’s left-side tyres onto the sodden Scottish grass. He rejoined at McIntyre but was out of contention for the win. O’Flanagan continued to lead the way, with Armstrong maintaining a watching brief just behind. The
Aug 11, 2026 · via autosport.com
Esports drivers from three different countries, including Australia, will go head-to-head next month following the launch of the 2026 Tri-Nations Esports Cup. Organised in partnership between Motorsport UK, Motorsport Australia and Motorsport South Africa, the annual international sim racing competition will feature a Time Attack qualifier before the top competitors battle it out in a live finals event. The 2026 Time Attack qualifier will take place from 21-23 August at the virtual Spa-Francorchamps Circuit, where drivers will have 48 hours to set their fastest lap and earn a place in the main event. Register for the 2026 Tri-Nations Esports Cup. Successful qualifiers will then advance to the Tri-Nations Esports Cup Final on 6 September, with the competition featuring two 30-minute races at iRacing’s Mount Panorama Circuit and Silverstone Circuit. Qualifying will precede each race. Following the expanded Four Nations Esports Cup in 2025, the event returns to its original Tri-Nations format for 2026, with Motorsport UK, Motorsport Australia and Motorsport South Africa competing for international honours. All competitors will race the Ford Mustang GT3 across every session using a fixed setup to ensure a level playing field. Each nation will be represented by 10 drivers, creating a 30-car field for the live broadcast event. Register for the 2026 Tri-Nations Esports Cup. The nation that accumulates the most points across both races will be crowned the 2026 Tri-Nations Esports Cup champion and claim international bragging rights for the next 12 months. As with previous editions of the competition, a Motorsport Australia Esports Licence will not be required for the Time Attack qualifier, however, drivers who qualify for the final will need to obtain the appropriate licence before competing in September. The winner from each nation will receive a HF8 Pro Haptic Feedback Pad from Next Level Racing.
Aug 11, 2026 · via motorsport.org.au
Hyundai Motor is stepping up its push to connect its high-performance N brand with younger consumers through esports, launching the 2026 Hyundai N Virtual Cup, one of South Korea’s largest sim-racing championships. The automaker said Tuesday that the competition will be held in partnership with the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the G-STAR Organizing Committee, bringing together the automotive, gaming and esports industries. Launched in 2024, the Hyundai N Virtual Cup has grown into a large-scale sim-racing event designed to bridge real-world motorsports and virtual racing. This year’s competition will use Gran Turismo 7, the globally recognized racing simulation title that has also been selected as an official esports discipline for the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. Hyundai has previously supported the national selection event for Gran Turismo 7 at the first round of the 2026 Hyundai N Festival in May, providing official sim-racing equipment for aspiring national team members. The automaker will also bring one of its most symbolic N-branded vehicles into the virtual competition. The Hyundai N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo, the concept car unveiled in 2015 to mark the beginning of the N brand, will serve as the official race car. Online qualifying begins Aug. 14, with 24 of Korea’s top sim racers advancing to the main championship. The event will also feature separate competitions for university students and influencers, broadening participation beyond professional racers. The championship will consist of three rounds held at major gaming and motorsports venues across Korea. The opening round will take place Sept. 20 at Dongdaemun Design Plaza in Seoul in conjunction with the city’s Games and Esports event. Hyundai will operate an N sim-racing experience zone and display N high-performance models alongside real-world race cars used in competitions such as the World Rally Championship and TCR. The second round is scheduled for Oct.
Aug 10, 2026 · via koreaittimes.com
Forza Horizon 6 Series 4 includes five new cars and stadium time attack A new series for Forza Horizon 6 is about to begin, Mascot Party, with a mix of new and returning cars to unlock through the festival playlist, plus the return of the evolving world stadium. Forza Horizon 6, Series 4, Mascot Party is here, with new cars, old cars, more EventLab props (becuase you always need more props…) and the stadium’s first evolving world usage. As ever, there’s a new Festival Playlist, with four weeks of fresh challenges. Two new badges (Mascot Badge and Shimanoyama Heat Badge) and two new horns (Mascot and Fus-Roh-Dah!) can be obtained, alongside fresh vehicles. First up, there’s the tiny Honda N600, which, as you may guess from its name, has a 600cc (air-cooled) engine. It’s new to the Forza franchise and should fit right into the Japanese landscape. What won’t is the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 from 2024. The V8 ‘motor is a mild update from the existing 2017-spec car already in the open-world driving game. It’s also technically new to Forza. New to Forza Horizon 6, but copied from Forza Motorsport, is the open-bodied ExomotiveExocet Sport V8 XP-5. Then there’s the Toyota Celica GT, which is returning from prior Forza Horizon games. However, based on the one supplied screenshot (and zero details), it looks like this model has been re-made for Horizon 6, with greater headlight detail. The final new-to-Horizon 6, which is a straightforward return from past instalments, is the Mitsubishi Starion ESI-R. Toyota Celica GTMitsubishi Starion ESI-R All of these cars can be earned through the Festival Playlist challenges over the next four weeks. There are five more cars, all listed below, which are already in the game. The Renault, Datsun, Abarth and Toyota MR2 were all seen in
Aug 10, 2026 · via traxion.gg
This Week in iRacing | August 11th to August 17th, 2026 August 10th, 2026 by Justin Melillo Welcome back to This Week in iRacing, your guide to the daily, even hourly racing that members can get into, based on where their license level is at. There are also some special series that run at specific times that anyone can jump into, with the right credentials, that offer a more meaningful sim racing experience. Here are a few of the highlighted series taking place this week — 2026 Season 3, Week 9 — from August 11th to August 17th in 2026. iRACING SPECIAL EVENTS iRacing’s Special Event calendar features a selection of the world’s most compelling races across numerous disciplines. Whether you’re interested in stock cars or sports cars, open-wheel formula cars or sprint cars, sticking to pavement or playing in the dirt, running solo or racing with a team of your closest friends, our Special Events have something for everyone! iRACING PORTIMAO 1000 The next special event on the 2026 iRacing Special Event calendar is the iRacing Portimao 1000. The Portimao 1000 was run for the first time in 2009 in International Sports Car competition. This weekend, from August 14th to the 15th, iRacing revisits these classic sports cars for 215 laps around Algarve International Circuit, in Portugal, a 1000 kilometer showdown in the iRacing multiclass, team racing format For more information on iRacing Portimao 1000 -> CLICK HERE For more information on the 2026 iRacing Special Events calendar -> CLICK HERE WEEKLY RACING SERIES These are the series that are not confined to the iRacing seasons, that run independently throughout the course of the year and feature some of the most recognizable motorsports racing around. From NASCAR to the Whelen Modifieds, from Formula 1 to INDYCAR, and even some
Aug 10, 2026 · via iracing.com
Rennsport’s R1 competition returns for a Fall season
€10,000 prize pool
Qualifying opens today, 10th August
Finale in-person during the SimRacing Expo Frankfurt
Rennsport will once again be present at the SimRacing Expo, with this year’s European event held in Frankfurt.
Its R1 sim racing competition will hold its in-person title-deciding final at the event.
A share of the €10,000 prize pool is up for grabs, with the six final teams reaching the German showdown, where the distinct Finalist Mode will be used to determine the winners.
The Fall Season is open to teams now, via a registration form. Six teams are already confirmed, but there is a hotlap qualifying period between 10th (today) and 16th August 2026.
The SimRacing Expo Frankfurt runs between 16th and 18th October 2026 inside the Messe Frankfurt. Rennsport is the first game or simulation confirmed for the event, with more expected. Tickets are on sale now.
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Aug 10, 2026 · via traxion.gg
Over The Hill will be released for PC on 14th October 2026, before hitting PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch 2 in 2027. It follows confirmation of it hitting over 1.2 million wishlists on Steam, and over 500,000 players downloading a recent limited-time demo. Created by Funselektor (Absolute Drift, Art of Rally and Golden Lap) and Strelka Games, it will see players explore different freeroam biomes, with dynamic weather, in off-road vehicles from the 1960s to the 1980s. It has a vibrant aesthetic, harking back to Dune Casu’s (Funselektor) prior aforementioned projects, but on a much larger scale. As you traverse the areas at a slow and deliberate pace, managing gearshifts and differential locks, you can photograph animals, discover scenic viewing areas, overcome obstacles and extract meteors. The whole game can be played solo or with four total players via online co-op. Vehicles can be upgraded and customised. “We couldn’t be more excited to finally reveal the release date,” said Pietro De Grandi, CEO and Co-Founder, Strelka Games. “It’s been a longer road than we first imagined. We set out to make something smaller, but the response to over the hill early on convinced us to invest more and build a fuller, better game. “We’ve worked hard to get it into players’ hands before the end of the year, because so many of you are eager to play, and we wanted to honour that without ever compromising on quality.” Discussion 0 Comments Join the discussion Join Traxion.gg to start discussing with members. Already a member? Sign in
Aug 10, 2026 · via traxion.gg
In May of this year, a surprise PlayStation 5 version of soft-body simulator BeamNG.drive was announced. Some were so shocked that the note in the unveiling that it was to release this year was overlooked. But, no, that’s exactly what it said. This year. Perhaps of note, however, the PC early access release hadn’t received an update for eight whole months, until the recent Version 0.39 launch. During this roll-out, another PS5-specific note was tucked away. It read: “Many of you are eagerly waiting for the PS5 version we announced some months ago. “The console version is still planned for release later this year. “Since it’s a new process for us, full of novelties, we don’t feel comfortable promising the community a time estimate we can’t be sure of. “Sit tight while we continue working hard on that as well as on future PC updates!” Just to reiterate then, BeamNG hits Sony’s console this year, but there’s no firm release window yet. It’s not yet clear how much of the simulation title will hit the console version, or which compromises (if any) have been made. What is clear is that the recent PC update included a dramatically altered user interface, making it easier to navigate with a gamepad. Presumably, this is work for the console release that has also benefited PC players. Traxion has contacted the development team for further clarification about the console version. Just four months remain to hit the target… Discussion 0 Comments Join the discussion Join Traxion.gg to start discussing with members. Already a member? Sign in
Aug 10, 2026 · via traxion.gg
A new week brings a new set of Gran Turismo 7 Daily Races, with three fresh events now live and running through next Monday, August 17. This week swings between two extremes: an anything-goes sprint on a giant oval, and a pair of steadier Group races to round things out. Race A is the wild one. It’s set on Special Stage Route X, BOP is switched off entirely, and the fixed field of eligible cars is big. Japanese icons like the Honda NSX Type R, the RE Amemiya FD3S RX-7, and all three generations of Nissan’s R32/R33/R34 GT-R share the grid with modern hypercars like the Bugatti Chiron, Pagani Huayra, and Lamborghini Aventador SV. With no BOP to level the field and no DR or SR on the line, this one’s built for aggressive racing. There’s no mandatory pit stop, but don’t be surprised if you find yourself in there if you’re side by side with someone late in a lap… Race B is comparatively tame: Gr.3 machinery runs six laps at Fuji International Speedway on Racing Medium tires, BOP set to Mid-Speed, with brake balance the only setting left open. A clean, straightforward sprint, with a 1000% reward increase available, too. Race C supplies the other half of this week’s title. Gr.4 cars head to Grand Valley – Highway 1 for 10 laps, and it’s the only race this week with any real strategy attached. Fuel burn is doubled and tire wear is quadrupled, and both Racing Medium and Racing Soft are mandatory at some point in the race, so a stop is unavoidable even without a dedicated mandatory pit stop flag. BOP is Mid-Speed here too, with brake balance again the only setting open. GT7 Daily Races (August 10): Race A - Track: Special Stage Route X (12
Aug 10, 2026 · via gtplanet.net
The Twenty Four Foundation, with GM Motorsports and local government leaders, launched “Built Different: The STEM Accelerator,” a workforce development initiative connecting underserved youth to careers in engineering, artificial intelligence, technology, and data science through professional motorsports. Developed by Seven & Grace with GM Motorsports, the program launches in Atlanta and Richmond, Virginia, through local nonprofit partners. In Georgia, the Clayton County Office of Digital Equity leads a six-week summer cohort for 10 local students, combining classroom instruction with practical experience. Students are selected through an open application process where families apply via their school, regional community centers, or the Clayton County Office of Digital Equity website. Applicants must show interest in STEM fields and commit to the full program. Details and deadlines are shared with schools and community organizations each spring. Driving Financial Empowerment Through High-Tech Careers Built Different is a strategic platform for early workforce development and financial empowerment. High-growth technical sectors like artificial intelligence, motorsports engineering, and data analytics have presented barriers for African Americans. By connecting Black youth with corporate engineers and advanced technology, the program creates sustainable pathways into high-earning technical careers. NASCAR driver Rajah Caruth serves as this effort’s primary proof of concept. An Atlanta native, Caruth transformed virtual sim racing on iRacing into a professional career as a NASCAR national series winner through NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity program. His journey forms the foundation of the program’s flagship curriculum, “How STEM Leads to Speed: Racing with Rajah.” The curriculum offers four modules for middle school students and an expanded five-module track for high school and college students. Courses are taught by motorsports professionals, including General Motors software engineers, pit crew tire specialists, and NASCAR graphic designers. Cutting-Edge Tools and National Expansion Students use advanced industry technology. GM Motorsports provides platforms used in elite competition,
Aug 10, 2026 · via blackenterprise.com
Motorsport UK FF1600 Esports Cup 2026 is open – The winner qualifies for the 2027 F4 Esports Championship Craig Robinson, Senior Editor Last Updated: 10/08/2026 If you fancied going pro in a sim-racing game, then look no further. Motorsport UK has opened registrations for the 2026 UK FF1600 Esports Cup, the feeder series for the British F4 Esports Championship. How to qualify for the 2026 UK FF1600 Esports Cup The path into the main championship runs through a pre-qualification Time Attack on iRacing. The top 25 fastest drivers at the end of the qualification window will be invited to enter the main championship. There is no entry fee and no Motorsport UK Esports membership required to participate in pre-qualification. It should be a strong entry point for those looking to compete. Pre-qualification details: - Dates: 9:00 AM BST August 24th to 11:59 PM BST August 30th, 2026 - Platform: iRacing, hosted in the Time Attack section - Car: Ray FF1600 - Track: Snetterton 200 - Fixed car setup - All nationalities welcome Driver eligibility requirements: To enter you must meet all of the following criteria: - Aged 13 or over - No more than 7,500 iRating on a Formula Licence - Never held a Pro iRacing licence - No affiliation as a driver, coach, ambassador or academy driver to any team that has competed in the British F4 Esports Championship Motorsport UK has described the FF1600 Esports Cup as just the beginning of a wider talent pathway it is developing for aspiring drivers, with more information on future initiatives to follow. The winner will earn an entry spot into the British F4 Esports Championship in 2027. In addition, prizes are up for grabs, giving players solid sim-racing kit, featuring: - The winning driver will receive a Heusinkveld Ultimate+ Black 2-pedal
Aug 10, 2026 · via esports-news.co.uk
We adopted a new young apprentice who isn’t an experienced sim racer, so we offered him a chance to see what this hobby is like. We provided him with an entry bundle with some keys and games, and he wrote a little about his first sim racing experience. Let’s take a look at his words. Introduction I’m new to the world of sim racing, although I’ve always had an interest in racing games. So, when I got the chance to try the Thrustmaster T248R, I wanted to see what kind of experience a wheel could offer compared to the usual way I play with a controller. I’ve spent two weeks using the Thrustmaster T248R, and these are my conclusions about Thrustmaster’s new sim racing hardware. Unboxing The Thrustmaster T248R box keeps the usual look and feel of the brand’s products, with clean colors and a fairly large size that made me assume this wasn’t a basic product. Inside, the packaging keeps everything well protected from bumps and, despite the size of the full set, it’s still easy to carry. When I opened it, I found all the components well protected and neatly organized. Inside, it includes: - 1 x T248R - 1 x T3PM pedal set - 1 x 48 W power supply + power cable - 1 x mounting system + screw - 1 x USB cable - 1 x Allen key - 1 x warranty leaflet - 1 x instruction manual Materials and design As for the materials and overall design, the T248R has a sporty and carefully put-together look. The wheel rim now comes with a perforated leather wrap, which improves grip and gives it a more pleasant feel, a detail that wouldn’t stand out much in a spec sheet but definitely shows during long sessions. The
Aug 10, 2026 · via boxthislap.org
The traditional hierarchy of a Formula 1 team, where a veteran "No.1 Driver" directs development while a junior observes and learns, is becoming redundant. In the 2026 season, the rise of Kimi Antonelli at Mercedes and the central roles occupied by established names who are still in their early-to-mid twenties prove that the sport’s apprenticeship phase has virtually vanished. Today, young drivers are expected to be team leaders almost from the moment they debut. This shift is not merely a trend in recruitment but a structural change driven by the technical evolution of the sport. The primary catalyst is the restricted nature of modern F1 testing. With track time limited to a handful of sessions, a driver’s value is increasingly measured by their proficiency in the virtual world. The current generation of talent has reached the grid after a childhood spent in high-end simulators and competitive sim-racing. For them, "Driver-in-Loop" (DiL) technology is a native language. Teams now rely on younger drivers to spend hundreds of hours in the simulator, correlating data from Friday practice to Sunday’s race setup. While older champions might view the "sim" as an arduous necessity, the next generation treats it as a precision instrument. This gives them a seat at the head of the technical table. When a teenager provides the setup breakthrough that gains two-tenths on a Saturday, their technical authority within the garage is established immediately. They are no longer just steering the car; they are architects of its performance. Polished athletes and coached in media Furthermore, the demands of technical feedback have reached a level of granular detail that favors those accustomed to modern data-heavy environments. A 2026 power unit, with its complex energy-management protocols, requires a driver to be a systems manager as much as a racer. Young drivers, trained in
Aug 10, 2026 · via gpblog.com
Max Verstappen isn’t most proud of his four Formula 1 world titles, but of his family as the Dutchman admits he finds it harder to be away from home. In a conversation with F1 magazine, Verstappen is asked what he is most proud of. It’s not the victories, Verstappen said: “That’s the little one at home. That’s the most fun and the most important. Our daughter Lily is my greatest prize. Family is the most important thing to me, no matter what.” Lily was born in the run-up to the 2025 Miami Grand Prix. Verstappen tries to spend as much time with his family as possible and finds it difficult when he has to close the front door behind him and leave home. “Yes, that’s starting now. This morning, for example, when I flew here, the little one was standing by the elevator at home when I stepped in to go down. And then the doors close. Yes, that’s not a great feeling. She had just woken up. I took her out of bed and had a little cuddle, and then I had to go. Those aren’t nice moments, when you have to leave.” Family is the most important thing in Max Verstappen’s life. Photo: Red Bull Content Pool Verstappen wants to show children that anything is possible “I find that hard to say. What I always find important is that all children believe it’s possible, that they dare to dream. That they believe in themselves. People sometimes say that as an athlete from a small country you get fewer opportunities or that it’s harder to become successful.” “But if you go all-in, have enough confidence in yourself, surround yourself with the right people, and give it your all from a young age, then anything is possible. It’s about your
Aug 10, 2026 · via gpblog.com
Trading Paints adds custom car liveries to iRacing. Design your own cars or race with pre-made paint schemes shared from the community of painters. Note: Racing with Custom Number paints requires Trading Paints Pro. Normally, the iRacing sim stamps its own car number on the car. We call those cars Sim-Stamped Number paints. With Custom Number paints (like this one), the car number is incorporated into the design of the car itself and can’t be changed. So, if you race this paint, each time you race the NASCAR Cup Series Next Gen Toyota Camry, your car will appear with a #43 on it. First, like all paints, you’ll need the Trading Paints Downloader installed and running on your computer. ✓ Trading Paints Downloader is detected and running on your computer. Trading Paints Downloader is not running on your computer. By default, iRacing does not show Custom Number paints. Enable them in your iRacing graphics options by checking the “Hide car numbers” box and restarting the iRacing sim. If someone (or you) does not have Custom Number paints enabled when you’re racing a Custom Number paint, your traditional Sim-Stamped Number paint from Trading Paints will appear, if you have one assigned (check on My Paints); if you do not have a Sim-Stamped Number paint assigned, your default iRacing paint booth car will appear without a paint. Custom Number paints will appear under the Custom Number tab in your My Paints section. Your paint has been posted to the Showroom. NASCAR Cup Series Next Gen Toyota Camry by Martin Roberg Pro If this post violates the Trading Paints Community Guidelines or Terms, please explain in detail. If you are reporting this submission because it contains your work that has been used without permission, please include a link or source to the original
Aug 9, 2026 · via t.co