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F1 Reveals 2026 Calendar: Imola Dropped, Canada/Indy 500 Clash
Andrew Evans
June 10, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
Dacora Motors challenges luxury EV market
Las Vegas couple arrested over $57m supercar scam
Haas celebrates 200th race milestone
BMW’s EV M3 caught testing at the ‘Ring
Jaguar E-Type GTO restomod
...and more!
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INDUSTRY NEWS
Dacora, a new luxury electric vehicle manufacturer led by Kristie and Eric D’Ambrosio-Correll, aims to compete in the high-end market with a distinctive model featuring a striking design and extensive customization options. The company has already garnered significant interest in its first car, an 800hp EV with a 400-mile range, with reservations surpassing initial production goals.
BMW is preparing to introduce an all-electric variant of the M3, which will be equipped with four motors generating over 700hp, marking a significant evolution for this iconic model. Alongside the electric version, the next-generation M3 will also be available with a traditional twin-turbo six-cylinder engine.
Rolls-Royce is prioritizing the growth of its Bespoke division over increasing overall sales, focusing on creating unique, custom configurations for its clients. The brand's North American president emphasized that maintaining exclusivity is central to its business strategy, as evidenced by significant investments in its UK facility without plans to boost production.
The Audi Q3 is poised for an update as it approaches the end of its current generation, which has been in the market since 2019, particularly in light of the recent redesign of competitors like the BMW X1. Anticipated enhancements include a more spacious body and an advanced infotainment system, with a reveal scheduled for next week.
Tesla has begun its autonomous vehicle testing in Austin, Texas, just ahead of its anticipated launch of a ride-hailing service. The company is shifting from its previous goal of fully autonomous driving to operating a limited fleet of vehicles equipped with specialized software for a designated area, while still relying on remote oversight for safety.
Chrysler is poised for transformation, as highlighted by design chief Ralph Gilles, who emphasizes the need for the brand to evolve and attract new customers. With the Pacifica minivan as the sole model currently available, the company is exploring a multi-energy approach for future vehicles, although the timeline for new electric offerings remains uncertain.
The UK’s Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has developed a plan to preserve the nation’s small-volume manufacturers - such as Bentley and McLaren - which comprise four percent of the country’s car production but 12 percent of its value through overseas exports. These brands can be more adversely affected through changes in legislation, being unable to absorb costs or adapt as quickly, with the SMMT’s report highlighting five measures to support them as regulations change over the coming years.
Following the introduction of an Enyaq RS Race Concept in 2024, Skoda has revealed a new version of the vehicle developed to highlight sustainability and lightweighting techniques for future production vehicles. The concept is 697lb lighter than the roadgoing Enyaq Coupe RS on which it’s based, thanks to extensive use of flax-based biocomposites in its panels and fewer interior amenities, though it also features racing elements such as a roll cage and aerodynamic pieces.
MOTORSPORT
The 2026 Formula 1 calendar has been announced, revealing a number of changes to the scheduling and locations for the circuits as the sport looks at improving logistics to reduce environmental impact. Madrid will host its first Grand Prix, at the end of a continuous European segment of the calendar next year, as the second of two races in Spain, while the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix at Imola has been dropped.
Haas is set to celebrate its 200th Formula 1 race at the Canadian Grand Prix, featuring a retro-inspired livery reminiscent of its inaugural season. Since its debut in 2016, the team has had mixed fortunes which include two tenth-place rankings and one fifth, and is bringing upgrades as it aims to secure points in this milestone race despite recent challenges on the track.
The 2026 Formula 1 calendar reveals a scheduling conflict between the Canadian Grand Prix and the Indianapolis 500, with both events occurring on the same day in May. This overlap, resulting from F1's calendar adjustments, raises concerns for IndyCar regarding potential competition for viewers and attendees, especially since the two races will take place in the same time zone.
Arvid Lindblad, a promising 17-year old driver affiliated with Red Bull, has received a Formula 1 superlicence, despite the typical age requirement of 18, due to his impressive performance in various racing series. This decision by the FIA allows him to participate in practice sessions, potentially paving the way for a future race seat with Red Bull's secondary team, Racing Bulls, as the team navigates possible driver changes this season.
Sebastien Buemi believes that Max Verstappen will eventually participate in the Le Mans 24 Hours, viewing it as an inevitable step in the Dutch driver's career. Despite the challenges posed by his Formula 1 commitments, Buemi is confident that Verstappen's passion for motorsport will lead him to compete in the prestigious endurance race.
Aston Martin's executive technical director Bob Bell has detailed the extensive changes the team is undergoing in preparation for the 2026 Formula 1 season, highlighting the introduction of new facilities, a shift in engine partnership, and a focus on in-house development. He emphasized that while the team's recent investments and structural changes are promising, achieving competitive results will require time and careful refinement of their new capabilities.
George Russell has cautioned that the current surge in Formula 1's popularity could be fragile, likening it to a precariously stacked Jenga tower. As a director of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association since 2021, he has found himself increasingly engaged in navigating the growing tensions between F1 and the FIA, particularly under the leadership of president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
Formula E has revealed an extensive schedule for the 2025-26 season, featuring 18 races, starting in Sao Paulo on December 6 and concluding with a double-header in London on August 15-16. While the FIA has approved the calendar, two rounds remain to be confirmed, with potential venues including Jakarta and Sanya, as the series continues to expand its global footprint.
ODDITIES
On May 22, Las Vegas authorities apprehended Jong and Neelufar Rhee, who are now facing 75 counts related to a fraudulent operation that allegedly deceived investors out of over $57 million through two local businesses. The couple reportedly fabricated overseas clients to lure funds for purchasing luxury vehicles, which were instead used for personal indulgences, leading to the seizure of high-value cars during their arrest.
The Jaguar E-Type, produced from 1961 to 1974, has become a popular choice for enthusiasts seeking modern enhancements while retaining its classic design. ECD Automotive Design has created a unique version called the Jaguar E-Type GTO, featuring a powerful, rebuilt V12 engine, contemporary interior technology, and a striking aesthetic, although it is a one-off model commissioned for a private client.
In the opening live event of the 2025 GT World Series, Takuma Miyazono of Team Subaru and Jose Serrano each claimed victory in their respective finals, with intense competition that culminated in last-lap duels. The season features three preliminary events where qualified drivers and brands compete for crucial World Series points, leading up to a decisive World Final in Fukuoka.
Residents of Los Angeles engaged in spontaneous demonstrations over the weekend following a series of Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids, leading to confrontations with law enforcement and the National Guard. Amidst the unrest, protesters set fire to several Waymo self-driving taxis, prompting the rideshare company to halt operations in the downtown area while maintaining its fleet elsewhere in the city.
A newly released game, Camper Van: Make It Home, allows players to dive into the fun of van life by creatively organizing and personalizing their mobile living space without the usual stresses associated with outdoor adventures. Created by a small team of eight, the game features a unique visual style, the ability to bring pets along, and a story mode as well as the camper van theme.
While many vintage cars languish in neglect, a 1964 Chevrolet Impala has been rescued from obscurity after decades in storage. Found by Iron City Garage, this convertible retains much of its original character, though it has undergone an engine swap and shows signs of wear, making its future restoration a topic of interest for enthusiasts.
A 2018 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350R has become available at auction as its owner seeks to clear room for other “toys”, with low mileage of around 4,200 and some aftermarket modifications. The 5.2-liter V8 engine, generating 526 horsepower, remains original and the car came with several options packs as it sits at around $75,000 with almost a week to go.
A recently restored 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air has emerged for auction, featuring a standard Turbo-Fire 265 engine. While the car has some modern upgrades, the current bidding has reached $26,700, with a reserve price likely around $53,000.
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