Alex Palou Draws Interest From Red Bull Racing

In one of the most intriguing crossovers between IndyCar and Formula 1 in recent years, Red Bull Racing has expressed interest in placing four-time IndyCar champion Alex Palou alongside Max Verstappen in 2026. The move, if it comes to fruition, would bring together two of the most dominant drivers in their respective series and signal Red Bull’s intent to strengthen its already formidable F1 lineup.

Per Nathan Brown and the Indystar, Palou and his camp remain adamant that no talks have taken place. Both the driver and his manager, Roger Yasukawa, denied having been in discussions with Red Bull. Chip Ganassi Racing, Palou’s current IndyCar team, also stated there had been no conversations about Palou leaving his DHL-sponsored No. 10 Honda. However Red Bull may be willing to to pay the exit clause.

However, Palou’s contract situation leaves the door cracked open. His current deal with CGR runs through 2026 but contains an out clause if a Formula 1 opportunity arises, provided a substantial buyout is paid. This wouldn’t be Palou’s first attempt to break away from Ganassi: he clashed with the team in 2022 when he sought to join McLaren Racing. That dispute even reached federal court before Palou ultimately stayed put. though not without cutting a deal that allowed him F1 testing opportunities with McLaren.

With Palou fresh off securing his third straight IndyCar championship and fourth in five years, Red Bull’s interest shows how highly he is regarded in global motorsport. If the Spanish driver makes the jump, it could mark a rare and dramatic crossover from IndyCar dominance to Formula 1’s highest stage.

Stellantis Brings Ram Back to NASCAR With Kaulig Racing

For the first time since 2012, Stellantis will return to NASCAR with its Ram brand, officially re-entering the sport in 2026 through a partnership with Kaulig Racing. The announcement was made near Daytona International Speedway and marks a significant expansion for Kaulig, which currently competes in the Cup and Xfinity Series with Chevrolet.

Kaulig is expected to field up to five trucks at the 2026 Daytona season-opener, effectively creating a Ram “super team” for the Truck Series. No drivers have been announced yet, and outside of Kaulig, Stellantis has no plans for additional Ram entries. Importantly, the move will not impact Kaulig’s existing Chevrolet programs in the Cup and Xfinity Series, as Stellantis is only investing in the Truck division. Ram is fully funding the Truck effort so drivers do not have to bring huge sponsorship packages with them to race.

Founded in 2016, Kaulig has steadily built itself into a competitive force. The team has scored 27 Xfinity wins, Championship 4 appearances in 2020 and 2024, and two Cup victories with A.J. Allmendinger. The Ram partnership represents a new era for the organization, bringing manufacturer backing to its first full Truck Series effort.

For Stellantis, the return of Ram adds another layer of competition to NASCAR’s manufacturer wars. With Ford, Chevrolet, and Toyota already locked into intense rivalries, Ram’s entry sets the stage for fresh storylines and could bring new energy to the Truck Series.

Dutch Grand Prix to End After 2026, Zandvoort Eyes NASCAR or IndyCar

The Dutch Grand Prix, a fan-favorite stop on the Formula 1 calendar and home race for Max Verstappen, will depart after the 2026 season. Circuit Zandvoort’s director, Robert van Overdijk, confirmed the split, citing financial realities. Unlike most other F1 venues, Zandvoort operates without government subsidies, relying instead on a trio of private partners to fund the event.

Despite the financial strain, the race has become a cultural centerpiece in the Netherlands, with sellout crowds and international attention. F1 leadership, including CEO Stefano Domenicali, has praised Zandvoort for setting “a new benchmark” in fan engagement. Yet the lack of financial support means continuing beyond 2026 is not feasible.

Looking ahead, Zandvoort is exploring partnerships with other motorsport series. Overdijk specifically mentioned IndyCar and NASCAR as potential replacements, noting their ability to provide “spectacle” and unique fan experiences. While neither option would match F1’s global scale, they could still deliver strong entertainment value for Dutch fans and keep the circuit internationally relevant.

If Zandvoort secures a deal, it would mark a groundbreaking shift. IndyCar has not raced in Europe in decades, and NASCAR has never staged a top-tier Cup or Truck race on the continent. A post-F1 Zandvoort event could bring new life to the track while offering American racing series an opportunity to expand abroad. As NASCAR seems committed to racing in various countries to showcase themselves to new audiences.