This Week in Racing

March 01, 2026

The Big Story

The racing world is abuzz with the latest development from the FIA, as it announces plans to revise its compression ratio tests starting June. This move comes on the heels of intense scrutiny over Mercedes' new power unit, which has been making waves in the pre-season. The updated testing protocols aim to ensure a level playing field for all teams, and their implementation is likely to have significant implications for the sport. As the season progresses, it will be fascinating to see how these changes impact the competition and which teams are able to adapt most effectively.

Around the Track

Several other stories have been making headlines in the racing world. Nikita Johnson scored a thrilling victory in the Indy NXT by Firestone at the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, marking his first win in the series. Meanwhile, the FIA World Endurance Championship is keeping a close eye on the situation in Qatar, where the season opener is scheduled to take place. In IndyCar, some top drivers have been left perplexed by the behavior of alternate tires, which has added an extra layer of complexity to the competition. Shane van Gisbergen, on the other hand, made a bold move to claim victory in the O'Reilly Auto Parts race at COTA, demonstrating his skill and strategy on the track.

Worth Watching

As the IndyCar season gets underway, all eyes are on reigning champion Alex Palou, who dominated the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg with the largest margin of victory in the event's history. With his impressive performance, Palou has set the bar high for the rest of the season. As drivers push themselves to the limit, safety remains a top priority, and a crucial piece of gear for any racing enthusiast is a reliable helmet, such as the Bell Sport II SA2020 (~$280). With the season just beginning, it will be exciting to see how Palou and his competitors continue to battle it out on the track.

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