Ford to reignite their Ferrari rivalry in WEC in 2027, O'Ward to balance McLaren reserve role and IndyCar in 2025, and other big updates

Ford to reignite their Ferrari rivalry in WEC in 2027

Ford will be rejoining the WEC grid in 2027, as announced during the Ford Performance annual season launch in Charlotte yesterday. “We are entering a new era for performance and racing at Ford,” said Ford Company Executive Chair Bill Ford. “You can see it from what we’re doing on-road and off-road. When we race, we race to win. And there is no track or race that means more to our history than Le Mans."

Click here to read the full article by Russel Atkins (fiawec.com)

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O'Ward to balance McLaren reserve role and IndyCar in 2025

McLaren will enter the 2025 season as reigning constructors' champions and has confirmed that Pato O'Ward will continue as their reserve driver. O'Ward, an IndyCar star, has been with McLaren since 2020, winning seven races and finishing second in the 2024 Indy 500. He has already participated in F1 practice sessions and testing for McLaren, including in the championship-winning MCL38. In case of scheduling clashes with IndyCar, McLaren may rely on the Mercedes pool of reserve drivers, such as Valtteri Bottas.

Click here to read the full article by Jake Nichol & Ian Parkes (racingnews365.com)

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Horner denies Verstappen’s role in Herbert’s FIA exit

Christian Horner denied that Max Verstappen had anything to do with the FIA removing Johnny Herbert as a steward for 2025. The FIA said Herbert’s media work, including comments on gambling websites, was the reason for his removal. Herbert had criticized Verstappen’s driving in Mexico last year, which upset Verstappen’s father, Jos. Horner supported the FIA’s decision, saying stewards should not also work in the media.

Click here to read the full article by Connor McDonagh (crash.net)

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Haas hires ex-Alpine engineer to boost Toyota ties

Haas hired former Lotus and Alpine engineer Pierre Genon to manage its partnership with Toyota, which includes a TPC program, a new simulator, and engineering support. Toyota last raced in F1 from 2002 to 2009 without winning but has succeeded in endurance racing and rallying. Some believe Toyota might buy Haas, but Team Principal Ayao Komatsu said the team is not for sale, even though their partnership is long-term. Toyota’s motorsport director, Masaya Kaji, said they are studying F1’s 2026 rules but are not ready to start their own team.

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

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Titans of the tee

Every two years, the Ryder Cup brings together 24 of the top players from Europe and the United States for an intense match play showdown. In this new Ryder Cup series, Lando Norris, Sam Bird (Neom McLaren Formula E driver), and Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing, are the first to face off against the Titans of the Tee Simulator. Take a look!