Autobayng News Team
Welcome to Saturday’s edition of the RaceFans round-up.
Comment of the day
Yuki Tsunoda may be far behind in the points standings but he could still play a significant role in the championship outcome, says @RBAlonso:
He can influence the title battle in at least one way. In the past four races he’s finished in the top seven three times (including sprint) – that puts him more or less in the exact pit stop window of the leaders. In other words McLaren should have two competitive cars behind Max and will want to undercut him, they are severely compromised if they come out behind Yuki. Secondly, the only way Yuki keeps his seat is by Perez 2021 defending/influencing rivals – if Piastri ends up fifth (max, Lando, two Ferraris and George) then Yuki on a top weekend can be the car behind. Under those circumstances, Yuki’s making an attempt at a pass.
His qualifying has let him down so he’s not been as effective in this role as he could be – but the potential is there. The idea of the one car team does work when the second car is in the pit window – Tsunoda’s found form in the improved car and if it’s enough for either outcome he’s an asset to Red Bull; I wouldn’t employ him next year but he’s got to believe he’ll influence things.
@RBAlonso
Social media and links
Alex, Carlos and Luke get us started in Mexico City (Williams)
Carlos Sainz Jnr: ‘There’s some set-up work that needs to be done going into FP3 tomorrow but overall, it was a positive session. For tomorrow, I think Q3 should be our target, but to achieve it we will need to execute a perfect qualifying.’
Practice Recap (Haas)
Esteban Ocon: ‘The update has definitely gone in the right direction and the team has done a really good job improving the balance of the car.’
(Major League Soccer) regular season data shows 29% viewership growth over 2024 (Sports Business Journal)
‘MLS and (F1’s new US broadcaster for 2026) Apple have been questioned and criticised over the lack of information regarding viewership since their relationship – valued at $250 million annually – began before the 2023 season, as MLS has become one of the only major sports properties to not share reliable, consistent metrics. That has led many to wonder if MLS has suffered since the move away from a linear TV-first model. Apple historically hasn’t released much data on its programming, and this was the first major sports league to place all its games on the platform.’
FIA/ACO: ‘No decision’ on use of success handicap in Hypercar (Sportscar 365)
‘The exact details of the performance balancing process will be determined before the first timed session of the Prologue, the official pre-season test, which is set to take place at Lusail International Circuit one week before the 2026 season-opening Qatar 1812 km race.’
ECR partners with Cape to join Indy Nxt in 2026 (IndyCar)
‘Cape Motorsports Powered by ECR will field two entries in Indy Nxt, the IndyCar development series. The teams will collaborate to provide technical support, testing opportunities for emerging drivers and career development for engineers and mechanics.’
FIA Formula Regional European Championship: The new Tatuus T-326 unveiled at Monza (Formula Regional Europe)
‘Developed in full compliance with the latest FIA regulations, the T-326 brings a major step forward in terms of performance, aerodynamics, and safety. The new car has been designed to be lighter, more stable, and more responsive, featuring an improved chassis architecture and a revised suspension system that enhances steering precision and overall balance through corners.’
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