Auto Racing

Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli of Italy, left, and McLaren driver Lando Norris of Britain lead at the second start during the Formula One Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort , Netherlands, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic)

Madring declared ready for its first F1 Spanish Grand Prix after conclusion of F3 tests

Tales Azzoni, The Associated Press 4 minute read Updated: 2:30 PM CDT

MADRID (AP) — The new Madring circuit debuting this season in Formula One has been deemed ready for its inaugural race after successfully hosting tests with the lower-tiered F3 cars this week.

Organizers said Madring “is ready for the Spanish Grand Prix” on Sept. 13 following two days of running that included several red flags for drivers going off track at the new hybrid circuit.

One driver said it is “the most adrenaline-fueled circuit of the entire season,” while another compared sections of the new track to the circuits on the streets of Monaco and Macau.

A total of 30 drivers and 10 teams raced Monday and Tuesday at the brand-new 5.4-kilometer (3.3-mile) track set around exhibition halls near Madrid’s main airport. The track features a mix of existing roads in the Spanish capital and purpose-built sections.

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Auto Racing

Alpine driver Franco Colapinto of Argentina in action during the first free practice for the Formula One Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort , Netherlands, Friday, Aug. 21, 2026. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic)

FIA condemns ‘harassment’ after social media abuse of F1 stewards

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

FIA condemns ‘harassment’ after social media abuse of F1 stewards

The Associated Press 2 minute read Yesterday at 7:08 AM CDT

PARIS (AP) — The governing body for Formula 1, the FIA, has condemned “harassment and disrespect” in abusive social media comments about race stewards following the Dutch Grand Prix.

The FIA's statement Tuesday didn't highlight any specific incidents or comments, but it follows a social media backlash from fans of Alpine driver Franco Colapinto, who received two penalties from the stewards in Sunday's race.

“Online abuse, harassment and disrespect have no place in our sport,” the FIA posted on X alongside a statement from the United Against Online Abuse group it founded.

“Following the Dutch Grand Prix, FIA stewards were targeted with online abuse after applying sporting penalties in line with FIA regulations,” the statement said. “The United Against Online Abuse coalition condemns all forms of abuse and harassment. Disagreement with decisions is part of sport, but it must never justify threats or personal attacks.”

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Yesterday at 7:08 AM CDT

Auto Racing

FILE - Austin Hill is introduced to the crowd before a NASCAR Cup Series auto race, Aug. 23, 2026, at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, N.H. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, File)

Austin Hill to race full time in NASCAR Cup Series for Richard Childress Racing in 2027

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Austin Hill to race full time in NASCAR Cup Series for Richard Childress Racing in 2027

The Associated Press 2 minute read Monday, Aug. 24, 2026

WELCOME, N.C. (AP) — Austin Hill will drive the No. 33 Chevrolet on a full-time basis in the NASCAR Cup Series for Richard Childress Racing beginning next season, the team announced Monday.

Hill has run 15 Cup races this season but has failed to register a top 10 finish.

However, he has 16 wins over the past five seasons driving RCR's No. 21 Chevrolet in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. He has qualified for the Chase in each of those five seasons.

“Austin Hill is a talented race car driver and his continued growth, work ethic and success across multiple levels of NASCAR competition have positioned him for his next step with RCR,” chairman and CEO Richard Childress said. “He’s put a tremendous amount of effort into his career, especially this year with everything he’s taken on. We’ve watched Austin grow as a driver and as a person, and we’re proud to have him continue that growth with RCR in the NASCAR Cup Series.”

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Monday, Aug. 24, 2026

Auto Racing

Joe Gibbs Racing driver Denny Hamlin (11) pit crew goes over the wall during Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Richmond Va. (AP Photo/Robert Simmons)

As Chase’s top seed, Denny Hamlin is optimistic about NASCAR title bid against surging Team Penske

Nate Ryan, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

As Chase’s top seed, Denny Hamlin is optimistic about NASCAR title bid against surging Team Penske

Nate Ryan, The Associated Press 5 minute read Monday, Aug. 24, 2026

Heading into the NASCAR Chase, Denny Hamlin is feeling good about his “bad” days.

By his high standards for the No. 11 Toyota, middling performances might be enough for the Joe Gibbs Racing star to capture his first Cup Series championship.

With a seventh place Sunday at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Hamlin clinched the top seed in the 10-race title run that will begin next month at Darlington Raceway.

“These are our bad days,” Hamlin said after rebounding from a pit-stop problem and narrowly missing a crash on the opening lap. “I feel good about where our team is right now. Everyone is kind of clicking well, and we don’t have a whole lot of weaknesses.”

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Monday, Aug. 24, 2026

Auto Racing

McLaren driver Lando Norris of Britain reacts after winning the Formula One Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort , Netherlands, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Patrick Post)

Lando Norris says his car isn’t good enough for F1 title shot but McLaren could fix that

James Ellingworth, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Lando Norris says his car isn’t good enough for F1 title shot but McLaren could fix that

James Ellingworth, The Associated Press 4 minute read Monday, Aug. 24, 2026

ZANDVOORT, Netherlands (AP) — Lando Norris says he doesn't yet have a car capable of vying for the Formula 1 title despite back-to-back Grand Prix wins but he could “win every race” remaining this season if McLaren manages to solve its biggest vulnerability.

The F1 defending champion boosted his title chances with victory at the Dutch GP on Sunday after a daring pass on standings leader Kimi Antonelli in the process.

“I know I’ve just won two races in a row and had two poles in a row, but at the minute I don’t have the car I need to fight for a championship,” Norris said after the race. He added that the right changes to target McLaren's troubles in slow-speed corners could set him up to chase down Mercedes driver Antonelli.

“We’re very, very strong in high-speed (corners), and that’s the place we’ve improved the car the most ... No one matches us in high speed, and that’s a good thing,” Norris said.

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Monday, Aug. 24, 2026

Auto Racing

Daniel Suarez (7) makes his way through Turn 1 during a NASCAR Cup Series auto race, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026, at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, in Loudon, N.H. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

Ryan Blaney wins second consecutive NASCAR Cup race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway

The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Ryan Blaney wins second consecutive NASCAR Cup race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway

The Associated Press 5 minute read Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026

LOUDON, N.H. (AP) — Ryan Blaney and his team wound up making the most of a major mistake Sunday at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

The Team Penske star just needed a moment to vent on his team radio about a pit crew blunder before charging from 17th to first for his second consecutive NASCAR Cup Series win at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

“Whenever I say those things after something bad happens, it’s my relief valve,” Blaney said about scolding his team with an expletive. “I have to get it out in the open, or I’ll be stewing over it a while. That’s how I have to get over things. I wish I wasn’t that way, but I’d rather it be that way than have it be in the back of my mind the rest of the race, not thinking of the main goal. It takes me five or 10 seconds to move on.”

After shaking it off, Blaney recovered to lead the final 74 laps on the 1.058-mile oval, fending off runner-up Bubba Wallace by 0.586 seconds.

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Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026

Auto Racing

Kirkwood gives the Freedom 250 an American winner on the streets of downtown Washington

Noah Trister, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Kirkwood gives the Freedom 250 an American winner on the streets of downtown Washington

Noah Trister, The Associated Press 5 minute read Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026

WASHINGTON (AP) — On the streets of downtown Washington, an American led almost the whole way.

Kyle Kirkwood raced to his second victory of the IndyCar season Sunday, dominating the Freedom 250 in his No. 27 Honda. Kirkwood crossed the finish line in front of the U.S. Capitol 3.09 seconds ahead of Christian Lundgaard, after leading for 128 of a possible 147 laps.

“This likely is the most satisfying win that I’ve had, just the magnitude of it. This one and my first are pretty similar,” said Kirkwood, who now has seven career IndyCar victories. “When you think about the magnitude, what this means, having this race here in D.C., being the Freedom 250, as an American, it might top the first win for me.”

The race was set up as part of the country’s 250th birthday celebration. President Donald Trump gave drivers the green flag at the start and District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser served as grand marshal.

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Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026

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Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli of Italy waves for the podium after taking the seond place at the Formula One Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort , Netherlands, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic)

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff defends ordering Russell to give up 2nd place to Antonelli

James Ellingworth, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff defends ordering Russell to give up 2nd place to Antonelli

James Ellingworth, The Associated Press 3 minute read Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026

ZANDVOORT, Netherlands (AP) — Mercedes boss Toto Wolff defended the use of team orders in the Formula 1 title fight after George Russell protested when he was asked to give up second place in the Dutch Grand Prix to teammate Kimi Antonelli.

Over team radio, Russell questioned the call to let Antonelli past in the final stages of Sunday's race, suggesting it left him vulnerable to Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton behind with little to gain for the team. Antonelli was on fresher tires but eventual winner Lando Norris was far ahead.

Russell, who held off Hamilton to keep third, relented after the race and said his teammate and title rival Antonelli “deserved to finish ahead."

“Team orders are always harsh from one driver’s perspective,” Mercedes team principal Wolff said, arguing that not swapping positions would have left both drivers a target for Hamilton. “We’re not losing time with each other if there are competitors breathing down our neck. We’ve seen it with the Ferraris at the beginning of the year in Shanghai, you just lose so much race time, you risk losing more points.”

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Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026

Auto Racing

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands in action during sprint race at the Formula One Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort , Netherlands, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic)

Dutch Grand Prix sees a potential path back to F1 amid Middle East uncertainty

James Ellingworth, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Dutch Grand Prix sees a potential path back to F1 amid Middle East uncertainty

James Ellingworth, The Associated Press 4 minute read Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026

The Dutch Grand Prix is bidding goodbye to Formula 1 on Sunday but its organizers say it could potentially "serve as an alternative venue” in the future amid continuing uncertainty over next year's schedule.

Already this year, the security situation in the Middle East following the outbreak of the Iran war has meant Bahrain's race was moved to Malaysia and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was canceled.

F1 has indicated at least one extra event in Europe if the season-ending races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi can't take place as planned. One likely candidate could be the Imola circuit in Italy. There are more question marks over how the four contracted Middle East races could be included in the 2027 schedule.

“Circuit Zandvoort could serve as an alternative venue in the future if another Grand Prix were unable to take place due to geopolitical circumstances, for example. The circuit’s FIA Grade 1 license will remain valid for another three years,” the Dutch Grand Prix organization told The Associated Press in a statement Saturday.

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Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026

Auto Racing

Mercedes driver George Russell of Britain, left, atlks to McLaren driver Lando Norris of Britain after the qualifying for the Formula One Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort , Netherlands, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic)

Lando Norris wins F1’s Dutch Grand Prix after a daring pass on Kimi Antonelli

James Ellingworth, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Lando Norris wins F1’s Dutch Grand Prix after a daring pass on Kimi Antonelli

James Ellingworth, The Associated Press 5 minute read Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026

ZANDVOORT, Netherlands (AP) — Lando Norris had a clear message for his Formula 1 rivals after a spectacular race-winning pass on standings leader Kimi Antonelli. Write off his title defense at your peril.

“This fight is still on,” Norris said over team radio after winning the Dutch Grand Prix for back-to-back F1 victories and a trophy presented by the King of the Netherlands.

Norris asked his McLaren team to “just keep bringing upgrades (to the car), just keep bringing performance please" as he eyes an 83-point gap to Antonelli.

Max Verstappen nearly reeled in a similarly vast lead last year as Norris held on by just two points. Now the British driver is the hunter.

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Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026

Auto Racing

Race car diver Alex Palou after a qualifying race prior to Sunday's Freedom 250 Grand Prix auto race in Washington, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026.(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Alex Palou tops qualifying for the Freedom 250 in Washington, his 7th IndyCar pole of the season

Noah Trister, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Alex Palou tops qualifying for the Freedom 250 in Washington, his 7th IndyCar pole of the season

Noah Trister, The Associated Press 3 minute read Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026

WASHINGTON (AP) — Alex Palou is closing in on a fifth IndyCar championship — he could even clinch it this weekend in the nation's capital.

So far he's shown no signs of slowing down.

Palou won his seventh pole of the season Saturday, topping qualifying for Sunday's Freedom 250 Grand Prix. The 29-year-old from Barcelona leads the standings by 133 points with four races remaining. If that lead reaches 163 at the end of Sunday's race, he'd clinch the series title.

“I’m really thinking about the race more than the championship,” he said. “Obviously getting both at the same time would be incredible.”

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Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026

Auto Racing

Drivers turn their attention from the buildings to the bumps while testing out DC’s IndyCar track

Noah Trister, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Drivers turn their attention from the buildings to the bumps while testing out DC’s IndyCar track

Noah Trister, The Associated Press 4 minute read Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Freedom 250 Grand Prix is largely about the visuals — the Capitol hovering behind Turn 1, the Washington Monument off in the distance.

Now, IndyCar drivers can finally evaluate the actual track.

“I didn’t know if it was going to be fun or not to drive. It’s a blast, super fun,” series points leader Alex Palou said after a morning practice session Saturday. “Very bumpy, huge bumps heading into Turn 2 and Turn 6. Massive bumps that are going to spice things up.”

The 1.7-mile street course in downtown Washington was an unknown commodity, set up for the first — and possibly the last — time for this event celebrating the country's 250th birthday. As these tracks go, it looks pretty simple with only seven turns, all but one to the left.

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Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026

Auto Racing

Daniel Suarez (7) leads Tyler Reddick (45) into the first turn during a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Sunday, July 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Tyler Reddick edges Josh Berry for NASCAR Cup pole position at New Hampshire

The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Tyler Reddick edges Josh Berry for NASCAR Cup pole position at New Hampshire

The Associated Press 3 minute read Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026

LOUDON, N.H. (AP) — Trying to snap a two-month slump in the NASCAR Cup Series, Tyler Reddick rebounded from a poor practice session to qualify first Saturday at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

The 23XI Racing driver turned a 29.054-second lap (131.094 mph) in his No. 45 Toyota to capture the pole for Sunday’s race on the 1.058-mile oval, beating Josh Berry by 0.015 seconds. William Byron qualified third, followed by Denny Hamlin and Shane van Gisbergen.

Reddick was 31st fastest in the practice session before qualifying, but his team made the right adjustments to improve his speed.

“Oh man, I was really unhappy,” he said. “I can’t recall a practice when I’ve complained like that. But we just figured out what we need to work on. That is a big deal because it’s very easy after a practice like that to just have a mediocre qualifying effort. The fashion that we did it today was really awesome.”

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Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026

Auto Racing

FILE - Ryan Preece during a NASCAR Cup Series auto race event at Sonoma Raceway, Sunday, June 28, 2026, in Sonoma, Calif. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File)

Ryan Preece is embracing his New England roots while seeking the last spot in NASCAR’s Chase

The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Ryan Preece is embracing his New England roots while seeking the last spot in NASCAR’s Chase

The Associated Press 5 minute read Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026

LOUDON, N.H. (AP) — Amid the attention and pressure of racing for NASCAR Cup Series title stakes this weekend at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Ryan Preece is hanging loose with his hometown crowd.

The Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing driver is on the bubble for making the field of 16 drivers who will compete in the Chase, the 10-race championship run that closes the season. With two races remaining in the regular season, Preece is ranked 50 points behind Shane van Gisbergen for the final spot in the Chase.

“We need a home run,” Preece said. “That’s the plan.”

But he scoffs at the idea of walling off the outside world to focus solely on his No. 60 Ford. Preece instead has embraced the frenzy of racing around his roots as a rallying point for his last-ditch charge at the Chase.

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Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026

Auto Racing

Mercedes driver George Russell of Britain walks in the pit lane after winning the sprint race at the Formula One Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort , Netherlands, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Patrick Post)

George Russell reveals a new ‘swing’ and style to rediscover pace in F1

James Ellingworth, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

George Russell reveals a new ‘swing’ and style to rediscover pace in F1

James Ellingworth, The Associated Press 3 minute read Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026

ZANDVOORT, Netherlands (AP) — George Russell is back at the front of Formula 1 with a new driving style and nothing to lose.

Russell started the second half of the season with a sprint race win and second place in qualifying on Saturday. He said he'd used the mid-season break to learn from the techniques that have taken his Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli to the top of the standings, and shed stress along the way.

“After the break I just feel way more relaxed. I don't think I've got anything to lose,” Russell said. "I'm just going to go out, enjoy it, and I don't even really feel in a fight. It's not mine to lose, it's mine to gain."

In nearly a month since the last race in Hungary, Russell got engaged — he joked Friday that he's faster for no longer carrying the ring around — and he took inspiration not just from Antonelli, who he said was doing an “amazing job” with the 2026 car and tires, but from the world of golf.

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Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026

Auto Racing

Mercedes driver George Russell of Britain in action during sprint race at the Formula One Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort , Netherlands, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic)

Lando Norris on pole for Dutch Grand Prix as Russell cruises to sprint win

James Ellingworth, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Lando Norris on pole for Dutch Grand Prix as Russell cruises to sprint win

James Ellingworth, The Associated Press 3 minute read Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026

ZANDVOORT, Netherlands (AP) — Lando Norris found unexpected pace to beat his rivals and the weather to take pole position for the Dutch Grand Prix on Saturday after George Russell took a sprint race win on Formula 1’s return from its mid-season break.

As rain started to fall on the Zandvoort track, McLaren’s Norris made the most of his final run to reclaim pole by 0.102 of a second from Russell, whose Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli — the standings leader — was third.

“A little surprised, honestly, but a decent lap," said Norris, who'd been critical of his car in the earlier sprint race and credited McLaren with making the right changes.

“We had to try something because what we had before wasn’t going to be enough," he said, adding the changes were small but "enough to give me some confidence.”

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Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026

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