Why Genesis ditched F1 for WEC, US DOJ probe crucial factor in Cadillac bid, and other big updates

Why Genesis ditched F1 for WEC

Genesis considered entering Formula 1 but ultimately decided to pursue a World Endurance Championship (WEC) program for 2026. The decision was based on their desire for closer alignment with their car lineup and brand values, focusing on endurance racing's sustainability, technology, and innovation. While F1 was on the radar, Genesis concluded that endurance racing offered more practical benefits, especially in terms of hybrid technology and aerodynamic research. The company wants to use WEC to improve technology and bring new value to its motorsport program.

Click here to read the full article by Jonathan Noble (motorsport.com)

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US DOJ probe crucial factor in Cadillac bid

The US Department of Justice's investigation into Formula 1 played a crucial role in General Motors' Cadillac brand securing a 2026 F1 entry. Initially, Michael Andretti's bid to enter F1 failed due to disagreements with commercial rights holder Liberty Media. However, after political tensions, a change in leadership, and the DOJ's probe into potential antitrust violations, the Cadillac bid gained traction. The investigation's pressure, combined with political factors surrounding the upcoming US presidential transition, led Liberty to swiftly approve the entry, bypassing Andretti and rebranding the effort under GM and Cadillac.

Click here to read the full article by Dan Lawrence (motorsportweek.com)

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Ranking drivers from worst to best

The Race ranks Formula 1 drivers based on how they perform in every 2024 race, qualifying, and practice session. These rankings focus only on driver performance throughout the 24-event season, considering car quality, consistency, speed, and mistakes. The rankings are made by F1 journalists like Scott Mitchell-Malm, Mark Hughes, Ben Anderson, and Edd Straw instead of just one person’s opinion. This helps show how both driver skill and the car they use affect results, giving a clearer picture than just race finishes.

Click here to read the full article at the-race.com

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Williams junior steps up to Formula 3

Williams Racing announced that their Academy Driver Alessandro Giusti will compete in the 2025 FIA Formula 3 season with MP Motorsport. Giusti had a strong 2024 season in the Formula Regional European Championship, winning races at Imola and Paul Ricard and finishing fourth overall. He also won the 2022 French F4 title and had several wins in his 2023 FRECA debut. Giusti is excited for his F3 debut in Melbourne, and Williams' Sven Smeets believes he has the skills to do well in the new category.

Click here to read the full article by Balazs Szabo (f1technical.net)

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Craigie gets the ultimate hot lap with Hamilton  

Mercedes junior driver Kenzo Craigie may be one of the luckiest guys around, as he had seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton take him for a hot lap around the Circuit of the Americas (COTA). Although most would have been terrified to take a lap at speeds exceeding 150 mph, Craigie was not one of them.