NASCAR has reached a mid-trial settlement in its antitrust case with the 23XI and Front Row teams. In this edition of the Business of Motorsport Roundup, I share some analysis and my thoughts on the outcome. You’ll also find details on Formula 1 driver salaries, the growing interest in the 24 Hours of Daytona, and more.
Motorsport Industry News
Formula 1’s Highest-Paid Drivers 2025
Lando Norris may be F1 champion on the track, but it’s a different story in the race to financial supremacy as the sport’s top ten earners revved up an estimated $363 million in salary and bonuses this year. Forbes has all the details in their Formula 1’s Highest-Paid Drivers 2025.
A $76 Million Driver And A $6.5 Billion Team: F1’s 2025 Season By The Numbers
In Formula 1, the action off the track is often as exciting as the racing on it. Forbes highlights 13 figures to know about the massive business behind the world’s most popular motorsport. Read what they are here.
IndyCar 2028: The Timeline
RACER’S Marshall Pruett has spent the last year tracking developments with the IndyCar Series’ new chassis, engine, and the rest of what’s on the way for 2028, which they’re presenting in a multi-part feature. Here is part 1.
In other Indycar news, the FIA has released a new superlicence points allocation for the series ahead of the 2026 season.
WEC: Major Global Marques Headline 2026 Entry List
An impressive 14 internationally renowned manufacturers will battle for glory in the FIA World Endurance Championship in 2026, as the series looks to build on the momentum of a captivating campaign that saw no fewer than eight different marques take the top step of the podium across both classes this year. Full details can be found here.
Doonan: IMSA Had Nearly 90 Entry Requests for Rolex 24
IMSA President John Doonan has revealed the sanctioning body had “close to 90” entry inquiries for next month’s Rolex 24 at Daytona, which had to be narrowed down to a capacity grid of 61 cars. Doonan has also ruled out implementing a charter system.
IMSA Support Series Surge: Michelin Pilot Challenge Averages 39.5 Entries, VP Challenge Peaks at 33 Cars in 2025
IMSA’s Michelin Pilot Challenge averaged 39.5 entries per race in 2025, while the VP Racing SportsCar Challenge hit a season-high 33-car grid. These trends show rising class stability, expanding participation, and new GT3 momentum across IMSA support series. Read the full details from Vantage here.
FIA Shares Final Details of 2027 WRC Regulations
The FIA has confirmed the final elements of the World Rally Championship‘s new technical regulations, which will come into force from 2027. The 2027 regulations, originally unveiled in December last year, are designed to be more affordable and flexible in a bid to attract new manufacturers and teams to the series.
SBJ Sources: If NASCAR Was Ever Up for Sale, Some Teams Would Be Interested
Sports Business Journal reports that at least some NASCAR Cup Series teams would be interested in bidding to buy NASCAR should the property ever be put up for sale, people familiar confirm, following Jonathan S. Marshall’s testimony last Friday.
Helmut Marko Leaves Red Bull
Helmut Marko is leaving the Red Bull F1 organization at the end of the year after a successful but contentious stint running their junior driver academy. Here are two articles dissecting the move.
Quick Takes on the Business of Motorsport This Week
Highlights from the Sustainable Motorsport Roundup
Honda Puts Sustainability at the Heart of its 2026 F1 Return
Honda has indicated that sustainability is at the heart of why they are returning to Formula 1 and in this week’s Sustainable Motorsport Roundup I have the details. I also have an article on the tech behind Alpine’s first electric rally car and much more!
The Numbers This Week
Motorsport Law Roundup
NASCAR Settles Antitrust Case with 23XI, Front Row Teams
As I was preparing the Motorsport Law Roundup yesterday, I was surprised that the NASCAR trial was still ongoing, given the number of contentious revelations already made public. By that point, the courtroom had seen the disclosure of previously unknown financial details, unflattering text messages, and convenient memory lapses from senior NASCAR officials on the stand—developments that surely put the organization under pressure.
It now appears NASCAR decided enough was enough. On day nine of the proceedings, the sanctioning body reached a settlement with Front Row Motorsports and the Michael Jordan–owned 23XI Racing. “I’m pleased to say the parties have positively settled this matter in a way that will benefit the industry going forward,” said Jeffrey Kessler, attorney for the teams.
Here are a few articles discussing the settlement. The financial details remain confidential.
Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing filed a lawsuit in Marion County, Ind., on Monday against companies associated with 5-hour ENERGY, former sponsor of the No. 30 RLL IndyCar Series entry driven by Pietro Fittipaldi in 2024. RACER has the details.
Adrian Sutil’s Lawyer Issues Statement After Ex-F1 Driver’s Arrest in Germany
Reports emerged last week that former Formula 1 driver Adrian Sutil had been arrested in connection with allegations of fraud. Sutil’s attorney-at-law, Dirk Schmitz, has now released a statement on behalf of the former Sauber F1 driver. “From his perspective, no financial damage has been caused to third parties to date,” Schmitz said.
Team & Manufacturer News
