Auto Racing – Winnipeg Free Press

FILE - Drag racing car owner John Force poses next to his original funny car, Aug. 28, 2025, in Zionsville, Ind. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File)

NHRA great John Force formally retires 17 months after traumatic brain injury

The Associated Press 2 minute read Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025

YORBA LINDA, Calif. (AP) — John Force, a 16-time Funny Car champion and the face of NHRA drag racing for nearly four decades, formally retired Thursday night.

The 76-year-old Force's announcement came 17 months after he sustained a traumatic brain injury in a fiery wreck at Virginia Motorsports Park. A catastrophic engine failure sent him crashing into a concrete wall at roughly 300 mph. The rebound sent him careening across the center line and into another wall.

He suffered a fractured sternum among other injuries, but it was the TBI that forced him out of the car for good after an NHRA-record 157 wins. Force spent months working with specialized therapists on an outpatient basis in California.

“I don’t want to go on forever, but I am officially done with driving," Force said in a video posted to social media. “I hate to say that word. I said in media so many times, ‘Until this race car kills me, they’re gonna have to drag me out of the seat.’ But the truth is, I was dragged out of the seat at Richmond, and they thought it killed me then. So I’m lucky that I’m back walking, still under doctor’s orders.”

Advertise With Us

Weather

Nov. 15, 6 PM: 1°c Windy Nov. 16, 12 AM: 0°c Clear

Winnipeg MB

3°C, Windy

Full Forecast

John Force, a 16-time Funny Car champion and the face of NHRA drag racing for nearly four decades, has formally retired

The Associated Press 1 minute read Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025

YORBA LINDA, Calif. (AP) — John Force, a 16-time Funny Car champion and the face of NHRA drag racing for nearly four decades, has formally retired.

Ferrari boss says Hamilton and Leclerc need to ‘focus on driving and talk less’

The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Ferrari boss says Hamilton and Leclerc need to ‘focus on driving and talk less’

The Associated Press 3 minute read Monday, Nov. 10, 2025

MILAN (AP) — Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc need to “focus on driving and talk less,” Ferrari executive chairman John Elkann warned Monday after the drivers failed to finish the Brazilian Grand Prix.

The results dropped Ferrari down to fourth in the Formula 1 constructors’ standings and left Hamilton and Leclerc still winless this season.

Hamilton, who has been critical of his team all season, called the weekend “a nightmare.”

Leclerc said he was “not happy” and called his car “very slow” after struggling in sprint qualifying.

Read

Monday, Nov. 10, 2025

Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc of Monaco loses a tyre during the Brazilian Formula One Grand Prix at the Interlagos race track, in Sao Paulo, Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Ettore Chiereguini)

From pit lane to podium, Max Verstappen impresses again at Brazilian GP

Mauricio Savarese, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

From pit lane to podium, Max Verstappen impresses again at Brazilian GP

Mauricio Savarese, The Associated Press 3 minute read Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025

SAO PAULO (AP) — Four-time Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen considers his race last year at Interlagos in the pouring rain — when he moved up from 17th at the start to win the Brazilian Grand Prix — to be a career highlight.

He wasn't too far from matching that feat on Sunday after starting the 2025 race in the pit lane and finishing on the podium.

Verstappen had been set for a frustrating weekend in Sao Paulo after he qualified only 16th for the race. The Dutch driver even said he had lost any chance of lifting the title this season. But then his team spent Saturday night making sweeping changes to his car, including a new engine.

All that effort paid off and kept alive Verstappen's long shot this year at a fifth title. His surprising third place put him on 341 points in the drivers' championship. With three races left, he's 49 points behind overall leader Lando Norris, who won the Brazilian GP. Norris has a 24-point advantage over McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri in second place.

Read

Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands celebrates on the podium his third place during the Brazilian Formula One Grand Prix at the Interlagos race track, in Sao Paulo, Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Ettore Chiereguini)

McLaren driver Lando Norris wins Formula 1’s Brazilian Grand Prix

The Associated Press 1 minute read Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025

SAO PAULO (AP) — McLaren driver Lando Norris wins Formula 1's Brazilian Grand Prix.

Norris wins Formula 1’s Brazilian Grand Prix to extend his lead with 3 races left

Mauricio Savarese, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Norris wins Formula 1’s Brazilian Grand Prix to extend his lead with 3 races left

Mauricio Savarese, The Associated Press 4 minute read Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025

SAO PAULO (AP) — McLaren driver Lando Norris significantly extended his lead in the F1 championship after winning the Brazilian Grand Prix on Sunday, with his main rival and teammate Oscar Piastri receiving a 10-second penalty and again failing to make the podium.

Norris, who also won Saturday’s sprint race and started from pole position, earned his first win at Interlagos with Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen second and third, respectively.

Norris, who also won the Mexican Grand Prix on Oct. 26, now has 390 points in the standings, with Piastri’s fifth place leaving him 24 points behind on 366 with three more races to go. Norris had led the Australian by one point at the start of the weekend and increased that lead to nine points after the sprint race.

At a press conference after the race, Norris said that he doesn't feel he is now in a commanding position to win the title, calling it "just another weekend trying to win, get the most points I could.”

Read

Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025

Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain, left, and Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc of Monaco wave to the crowd during the opening parade at the Brazilian Formula One Grand Prix at the Interlagos race track in Sao Paulo, Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)

Despair for home fans as Bortoleto crashes out at start of Brazilian Grand Prix

Mauricio Savarese, The Associated Press 6 minute read Preview

Despair for home fans as Bortoleto crashes out at start of Brazilian Grand Prix

Mauricio Savarese, The Associated Press 6 minute read Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025

SAO PAULO (AP) — After a gap of eight years since Brazilian Formula 1 fans last watched a homegrown driver on the grid, some had been moved to come up with mascots, songs, anything to cheer for 21-year-old rookie Gabriel Bortoleto at Sunday’s Sao Paulo Grand Prix.

Former driver Felipe Massa was previously the last Brazilian to race in front of home fans in 2017.

But the pressure of racing in front of fans might have made Bortoleto's life tougher at Interlagos, where he started from 18th and last on the grid Sunday despite his team initially saying he would be in the pit lane. A crash during Saturday's sprint race following an attempt to overtake prevented him from qualifying.

And it got worse Sunday when the young driver crashed out on the first lap at Interlagos in what looked to be a more promising outing after he overtook three rivals in quick succession.

Read

Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025

Kick Sauber driver Gabriel Bortoleto of Brazil waves fans during the drivers parade ahead of the Brazilian Formula One Grand Prix at the Interlagos race track, in Sao Paulo, Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Ettore Chiereguini)

Learn more about Advertising solutions

Norris extends F1 advantage over Piastri in Brazil. Verstappen says he can ‘forget’ title hopes

Mauricio Savarese, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Norris extends F1 advantage over Piastri in Brazil. Verstappen says he can ‘forget’ title hopes

Mauricio Savarese, The Associated Press 3 minute read Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025

SAO PAULO (AP) — It's shaping up to be a big weekend for Formula 1 leader Lando Norris, and a frustrating one for four-time champion Max Verstappen.

The McLaren driver widened the gap to teammate Oscar Piastri to nine points by winning the sprint race of the Brazilian Grand Prix on Saturday and followed it up by also taking pole position for Sunday's grid.

“Slippery, inconsistent, but fun,” Norris said about his two drives. “We have been in very good form, the team has given us a great car.”

Verstappen, meanwhile, all but gave up hope of earning a fifth straight F1 title after only finishing 16th in qualifying. With three races left after this weekend, he is 39 points behind going into Sunday after coming fourth in the sprint race.

Read

Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025

McLaren driver Lando Norris of Britain drives during the sprint race ahead of the Brazilian Formula One Grand Prix auto race at the Interlagos racetrack in Sao Paulo, Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)

Norris grabs the sprint pole at the Brazilian GP from title rivals

The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Norris grabs the sprint pole at the Brazilian GP from title rivals

The Associated Press 3 minute read Friday, Nov. 7, 2025

SAO PAULO (AP) — Lando Norris set up a chance to pad his one-point lead in Formula 1 by securing pole position for the sprint race at the Brazilian Grand Prix on Saturday.

Of his title rivals, McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri will start third and Red Bull's Max Verstappen will be sixth.

“It was difficult and we did a good job,” Norris said on Friday.

Norris is coming off a win in Mexico City and leads the driver standings by one point over Piastri. Verstappen was 36 points back.

Read

Friday, Nov. 7, 2025

McLaren driver Lando Norris of Britain drives during a practice session for the Brazilian Formula One Grand Prix auto race at Interlagos race track in Sao Paulo, Friday, Nov. 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Ettore Chiereguini)

Colapinto keeps his Alpine F1 seat for 2026 despite not scoring points

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Colapinto keeps his Alpine F1 seat for 2026 despite not scoring points

The Associated Press 2 minute read Friday, Nov. 7, 2025

SAO PAULO (AP) — Franco Colapinto will stay with the Alpine team for 2026 even though he's yet to score a point this year in Formula 1.

The Argentine driver will head into his first full F1 season in 2026 after he replaced Australian rookie Jack Doohan at Alpine ahead of the seventh race of the year at Imola in May, initially on a five-race deal.

“We are working better and better,” Colapinto said in a video on Alpine’s social media on Friday. “I do believe that when you win constantly you don’t learn much but when you’re struggling, when you have some tricky results, is when you really learn a lot more.”

The decision was announced ahead of Sunday's Brazilian Grand Prix, which is the closest to a home race for Colapinto's Argentine fans, many of whom make the journey to Sao Paulo.

Read

Friday, Nov. 7, 2025

Alpine driver Franco Colapinto of Argentina arrives at the Interlagos race track ahead of the Brazilian Formula One Grand Prix in Sao Paulo, Friday, Nov. 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Ettore Chiereguini)

Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc announces engagement ahead of Sao Paulo race

The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc announces engagement ahead of Sao Paulo race

The Associated Press 5 minute read Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025

SAO PAULO (AP) — Charles Leclerc was all smiles at a news conference ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix, where a good result could get him closer to fourth place in the drivers' standings. His happiness, though, had more to do with developments off the track: he just got engaged.

Leclerc will marry his long-time partner Alexandra Saint Mleux.

“I’m very, very happy, obviously. It is a special week, full of emotions," Leclerc said Thursday. "It’s obviously a very special moment for anyone to do that step. And, yeah, Alex and I are incredibly happy.”

The season itself hasn't given Leclerc as many reasons to celebrate. The Ferrari driver entered the year hoping to contend for the title, but with four races left he only has fourth place left to fight for.

Read

Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025

Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc, of Monaco, speaks during a press conference ahead of the Brazilian Formula One Grand Prix at the Interlagos race track in Sao Paulo, Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)

McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri battle for F1 title as Max Verstappen closes in

Jenna Fryer, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri battle for F1 title as Max Verstappen closes in

Jenna Fryer, The Associated Press 5 minute read Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025

The three-way fight for the Formula 1 title heads to Brazil this week with McLaren's two drivers still battling it out for the top spot in the standings.

Lando Norris used a win at the Mexican Grand Prix two weeks ago to reclaim the championship lead over Oscar Piastri for the first time in more than six months. But as the two battle each other for their first ever title, four-time defending champion Max Verstappen continues to chip into their lead.

Norris' win in Mexico City gave him a one-point advantage. There's no breathing room for the McLaren drivers, though, as Verstappen has cut a 104-point deficit from the end of August to only 36 points over the last five races.

It's the closest he's been to the leaders since May, and with five events remaining, McLaren's refusal to designate either Norris or Piastri as its No. 1 driver could very well allow Verstappen to win a fifth consecutive title.

Read

Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025

McLaren driver Lando Norris of Britain celebrates after winning the Formula One Mexico Grand Prix in Mexico City, Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)

McLaren vs. Palou: A $20.7M lawsuit over broken promises and disappearing messages

Jenna Fryer, The Associated Press 6 minute read Preview

McLaren vs. Palou: A $20.7M lawsuit over broken promises and disappearing messages

Jenna Fryer, The Associated Press 6 minute read Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025

Closing arguments were presented Wednesday in McLaren Racing’s breach of contract suit against IndyCar star Alex Palou, who signed two different contracts with the team before deciding not to leave Chip Ganassi Racing because he presumed McLaren would never give the Spaniard a seat in Formula 1.

The five-week trial in London’s High Court began in late September and it is unclear when a ruling will be issued. McLaren initially sought almost $30 million in damages, but that number was reduced to $20.7 million as the racing juggernaut seeks to reclaim money allegedly lost in sponsorship, driver salaries and performance earnings.

Palou has won three consecutive IndyCar titles and the Indianapolis 500 since this saga began. He has four IndyCar titles in the last five seasons.

Palou first signed with McLaren in 2022 to drive for its IndyCar team in 2023, but Ganassi pushed back and exercised an option on Palou for the 2023 season. The matter was decided through mediation, with McLaren covering Palou’s legal costs. Palou could not join McLaren until 2024 but was permitted to be the reserve and test driver for the F1 team in 2023.

Read

Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025

Spanish racing driver Alex Palou, arrives at the Rolls Building of the Royal Courts of Justice to give evidence in McLaren's legal claim against him, in central London, Friday, Oct. 10, 2025. (Jordan Pettitt/PA via AP)

Michael Jordan’s race team just scored a major win against NASCAR

Jenna Fryer, The Associated Press 6 minute read Preview

Michael Jordan’s race team just scored a major win against NASCAR

Jenna Fryer, The Associated Press 6 minute read Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — A federal judge on Tuesday issued a key victory for two race teams, one owned by Michael Jordan, that further pressures NASCAR to settle the antitrust lawsuit filed against it by 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports.

NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps said last week the series is “trying our hardest” to settle the federal antitrust lawsuit with the two teams suing in the most expansive comments yet from the defendants.

U.S. District Judge Kenneth Bell ruled Tuesday in favor of 23XI, owned by Jordan and three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin, and Bob Jenkins-owned Front Row, on an argument over the market definition of “premier stock-car racing." Bell found that NASCAR controls the market and NASCAR's argument that teams can race in other series is moot.

The teams said in alleging the relevant market for premier stock car racing teams that “NASCAR’s Cup Series is currently the only buyer.” The argument was backed by the the expert opinion of Dr. Daniel Rascher, who concluded that “premier stock car racing” is a distinct form of automobile racing, and other types of motorsports like Formula 1 and IndyCar, and all lower levels of stock car racing, are not an equal substitute to NASCAR.

Read

Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025

FILE - Team owner Michael Jordan looks on during a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Darlington Raceway, Aug. 31, 2025, in Darlington, S.C. (AP Photo/Matt Kelley, File)

A late caution robs Hamlin of NASCAR title in probable final year of championship format

Jenna Fryer, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

A late caution robs Hamlin of NASCAR title in probable final year of championship format

Jenna Fryer, The Associated Press 5 minute read Monday, Nov. 3, 2025

AVONDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Denny Hamlin was shell-shocked, a vacant look in his eyes, as he tried to explain how he yet again came up short in his quest to win a NASCAR championship. William Byron approached, placed his hand on Hamlin's shoulder, and apologized for causing the caution that cost Hamlin the title.

The greatest NASCAR driver to never win a championship fell short of ditching that label when Byron blew a tire Sunday at Phoenix Raceway that began the sequence of events that cost Hamlin the title. Hamlin was three laps away from the finish, held a lead of more than three seconds, and had dominated almost the entire race.

But the caution sent the race to overtime and forced teams to make critical decisions about pitting. Hamlin took four new tires, but Kyle Larson took just two to get back on track ahead of Hamlin. In a two-lap sprint to the finish, Hamlin couldn't catch Larson and Larson finished ahead of him to claim his second title.

What followed was surreal. Hamlin's young daughters sobbed uncontrollably amid a crowd of demoralized Joe Gibbs Racing crew members. Hamlin was stoic but clearly heartbroken as a sixth chance at a championship had slipped away.

Read

Monday, Nov. 3, 2025

Denny Hamlin makes a pit stop on lap 63 during a NASCAR Cup Series auto race Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, in Avondale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Kyle Kirkwood signs multi-year extension with Andretti Global after breakout season

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Kyle Kirkwood signs multi-year extension with Andretti Global after breakout season

The Associated Press 2 minute read Monday, Nov. 3, 2025

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Andretti Global on Monday announced IndyCar driver Kyle Kirkwood has signed a multi-year contact extension to remain in the No. 27 for the organization.

The length of the deal for the winner of five IndyCar races was not disclosed.

Kirkwood was developed by Andretti but began his IndyCar career with A.J. Foyt Racing as he waited for a seat to open at Andretti. He moved in 2023 and in two seasons has won five times, won three poles and scored six podium finishes.

This last season was a breakout year for Kirkwood with wins at Long Beach, Detroit and St. Louis, and he finished fourth in the championship standings.

Read

Monday, Nov. 3, 2025

November 15, 2025

Notification Settings

Breaking News

Recommended Reads