V10 Engines Might Be Making a Comeback in Formula 1!

The only reason I'm not racing today is because I can’t find my car keys... I guess my sim will have to do instead.

NEWS FLASH

Malcolm in the Middle v2? Frankie Muniz, the former Malcolm in the Middle star turned NASCAR driver, has a big update for fans eagerly awaiting the show's return. Muniz recently revealed that chemistry reads for new characters are underway and filming for the Malcolm in the Middle comeback on Disney+ will begin in April. He expressed his excitement to be back on the show and for audiences to see the family together again. Do you think this move to revive that TV Show through his passion for racing was calculated all along?

The iRacing ARCA car is getting a major overhaul: After a decade of being on the service, it’s time for an update, with new physics and handling. Brayton Laster, a current ARCA driver breaks things down in a one-on-one with DJ Yee-J who is known for his popular iRacing YouTube videos and creator of the ARCA Farmer community. The updated car is expected to be more forgiving and easier to handle, making it a great option for beginner racers. See what they had to say about it here.

Talk about a career comeback! F1 rookie Gabriel Bortoleto owes a big thanks to Fernando Alonso for saving his racing dreams. Alonso's management firm, A14, swooped in and signed Bortoleto just when his career was stalling, leading him to win both the F3 and F2 titles. Now, Bortoleto is making his F1 debut with Kick Sauber, proving that with a little help from a legend, anything is possible. It’s too bad the future Audi team is in a poor position to start the season.

SIM RACING SNIPPETS

• We’re officially on ASN Canada’s website: Our sim racing community, Sim Racing Nation, is officially supported and proudly affiliated with ASN Canada, we’ve been proudly supporting their current effort as they work their way into the esports scene. They’re currently fundraising by giving away a full year of iRacing with the F4 car for only $10CDN (that’s over $100 in value) email them [email protected] to take advantage of this deal and support their program.

• Le Mans Ultimate recently dropped a huge update with AI upgrades, new cars like the Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT3 Evo and Ford Mustang LMGT3, and more track layouts. Players are now saying the realism is even better than ACC and iRacing, making it the newer, more modern, competitor in the IMSA world online.

• Asetek unveiled a range of new sim racing hardware, including haptic-ready pedals, new button boxes, and a whole line of entry-level sim racing hardware. The new products will be compatible with both PC and Xbox, and are designed to offer sim racers of all levels a more immersive and realistic experience.

MOTORSPORTS REPORT

• Max Verstappen isn't just an F1 champ, he's building a racing empire with his Verstappen.com racing team, now tackling the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup with an Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT3. And he's serious about supporting young drivers with talent, like sim racing star Chris Lulham, who's now been promoted to the team.

• Cadillac has received final approval to become the 11th team on the Formula 1 grid starting in 2026. The team, backed by TWG Motorsports and General Motors, will join the existing 10 teams in a move that has been hailed as a transformative moment for the sport.

• The 73rd Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring is just around the corner, with 56 cars ready to tackle the legendary bumps of Sebring International Raceway. The Aston Martin Valkyrie is set to make its North American debut, and Nick Tandy is looking to add another overall win to his impressive resume.

• NASCAR is suing Michael Jordan's race team, 23XI Racing, and another team, Front Row Motorsports, claiming they are part of an "illegal cartel". The sanctioning body alleges that the teams colluded to pressure NASCAR into accepting their terms, including threatening boycotts and interfering with media rights negotiations.

THE SPOTLIGHT

V10 Engines: Could They Be Making a Comeback in Formula 1?

Remember the ear-splitting roar of those V10 Formula 1 engines? The ones that made your heart race and your ears ring? Well, they might be making a comeback!

The FIA, Formula 1's governing body, is seriously considering a return to V10 engines, possibly as early as 2030. This news comes straight from the top, with FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem himself hinting at the possibility on social media. Even Christian Horner is supporting the comeback of V10’s, but does that mean he’s already lost faith in Red Bull Powertrains?

Why the sudden nostalgia for V10s?

There are a few key reasons why Formula 1 is considering this blast from the past:

• The Sound: Let's be honest, the current turbo hybrid engines are a bit... whisper quiet. Fans miss the visceral thrill of those screaming V10s.

• The Cost: Developing and maintaining the current turbo hybrid engines is ridiculously expensive. V10s offer a simpler, more affordable alternative.

• The Weight: Those bulky hybrid batteries add a lot of weight to the cars. V10s would be lighter, making the cars more nimble and exciting to watch.

But what about the environment?

Don't worry, these wouldn't be your grandpa's gas-guzzling V10s. The new generation would run on fully sustainable fuel, keeping things green while bringing back the noise.

What Happens Next?

The FIA is currently evaluating the feasibility of bringing back V10s. They're talking to teams, manufacturers, and other stakeholders to see if it's a viable option.

MEMBER FEATURE

Mike Gravelle: A Newfoundland Native's Passion for Motorsports

Hailing from Newfoundland, Canada, Mike Gravelle's love for motorsports began at the age of six. Despite a career in architecture and construction management, his passion for speed never faded. Five years ago, he discovered sim racing, starting with Gran Turismo and a Logitech G29. This hobby opened doors to incredible experiences, from seeing dream cars to attending motorsport events and connecting with industry giants.

Joining SimStaff, a sim racing and esports management company, has been pivotal. Mike has worked at events like the Goodwood Festival of Speed, SEMA, and the Canadian International Auto Show, building invaluable connections. He even collaborated with Sim Racing Nation's George Griffiths at the Canadian Auto Show.

Through Mikes journey weather it has been at high profile events or just simply racing in the community. He has met many great people from industry leaders, and mentors to hall of fame inductees. As well long lasting connections with some which created Gravel Trap Racing, a close-knit endurance racing team where he shares unforgettable moments with teammates James, Jack, and Jac.

Recently, Mike became an ambassador for Formula Careers, a community supporting aspiring motorsport professionals. He's honored to contribute and share his passion with the next generation of racers.

Mike's journey exemplifies the power of passion and hard work. Whether in the real or virtual world, his love for motorsports drives him forward.

Want to get in touch with Mike? Connect with him here on Blinq.

AROUND THE WEB

During this month: March 29th, 2009: Jenson Button wins the Australian Grand Prix in Brawn GP’s debut.

That’s neat: Two new LEGO® sets let you build your own Williams Racing car!

Wow: Andy Green set the fastest land speed record of 763.035 mph (1,227.985 km/h) in the ThrustSSC jet car on October 15, 1997, in the Black Rock Desert, Nevada.

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