Around the World of Racing 5/5/25

Cadillac F1 Push Unaffected by GM Tariff Woes, MotoGP and IndyCar Update Rules, and Alpine Eyes Doohan Replacement

As Cadillac gears up for its Formula 1 entry, General Motors is absorbing a projected $5 billion hit from new U.S. tariffs—though company leadership insists the F1 program remains unaffected. Meanwhile, MotoGP and IndyCar both announced significant rule changes ahead of their upcoming races, and Alpine is reportedly preparing to replace rookie Jack Doohan after a string of challenging results.

Cadillac F1 Project Unshaken Despite $5B GM Tariff Blow

General Motors president Mark Reuss confirmed that the automaker could face a $5 billion impact from tariffs introduced by U.S. President Donald Trump, forcing GM to lower its profit forecast for the year. Despite this financial pressure, Reuss insisted that the Cadillac Formula 1 team will not be affected, calling the project a long-term investment shielded from short-term policy shifts.

“These are long-term footprints that we have... and so we're working to bring as much as we can into the United States and avoid the tariffs,” Reuss said. “But it's not going to affect this project.”

Cadillac's F1 team, operating under TWG Motorsports, has also received strong sponsor interest. CEO Dan Towriss said the search for a title partner is central to the commercial strategy, with priority given to U.S.-based brands—though the team is positioning itself as a global player.

MotoGP Approves Injury Testing Rule After Martin Controversy

In a significant rules shift, MotoGP will now allow injured riders to conduct limited testing ahead of their return to competition. The new regulation, which takes effect at this weekend’s French Grand Prix, permits a one-day test for riders who have missed three or more consecutive races or been sidelined for at least 45 days.

The rule change follows controversy surrounding Aprilia's Jorge Martin, who had requested a test before his ill-fated comeback at the Qatar Grand Prix. Though initially blocked, the regulation has now been fast-tracked, marking a rare mid-season adjustment to MotoGP’s tightly controlled testing framework.

IndyCar Tweaks Tire Rules for Indy Road Course

IndyCar has announced a tire regulation change that will go into effect for the upcoming Sonsio Grand Prix on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course. Each entrant will now be required to use two sets of primary (harder) and two sets of alternate (softer) Firestone tires over the course of the 85-lap race.

While previous rules mandated just one stint on each compound—with one alternate set required to be new—the update removes the "new tire" stipulation. Series President J. Douglas Boles said the change is aimed at increasing on-track action by discouraging tire-saving strategies.

“Firestone’s higher-degradation alternate tire has already created strategy intrigue. We expect this update will challenge teams and drivers even more,” Boles said.

The rule is currently a one-race trial but could be expanded to other road and street circuits based on its impact.

Alpine Set to Replace Jack Doohan with Franco Colapinto

Alpine appears ready to make a mid-season driver change, with reports indicating that rookie Jack Doohan has been informed he will be replaced by reserve driver Franco Colapinto ahead of the Imola Grand Prix. Despite flashes of pace, Doohan has struggled in his first full F1 season, failing to score points in six races and retiring from last weekend’s Miami GP after a first-lap collision.

Sources suggest Doohan was notified of the decision before leaving the Miami paddock, though Alpine has not officially commented. The Australian is expected to remain within the Alpine driver program. Colapinto, who joined the team earlier this year, is the leading candidate to take over, though Paul Aron is also under consideration.