Donald Trump and McLaren's CEO Zak Brown

Photo: Race Pictures

F1 Today | Horner finally breaks silence as Trump expands IndyCar calendar

22:31, 31 Jan

byTobia Elia

As always, let’s take a look at the two main Formula 1 headlines from today, Saturday 31 January.

Trump adds historic race to expand IndyCar’s 2026 calendar

United States President Donald Trump has signed an executive order paving the way for an extra round to be added to the 2026 IndyCar calendar.

The American open-wheel championship, which had initially been set to feature 17 races, will now expand to 18 events thanks to the introduction of the Freedom 250 Grand Prix in Washington, D.C.

The new event is intended to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States and is expected to run on a temporary circuit laid out around the National Mall in the capital.

It is pencilled in for August 21–23 and will slot into the schedule between the Markham Grand Prix on August 16 and the Milwaukee Mile double-header.

Photo: Race Pictures

Christian Horner speaks out for first time since Red Bull departure

The former CEO and team principal of the Milton Keynes-based squad had last been seen publicly at the Silverstone Grand Prix, shortly before being dismissed from his role and succeeded by Laurent Mekies.

In the weeks that followed, little was heard about his activities, with Horner largely fading from the public eye. The only significant update surfaced recently through Flavio Briatore, who disclosed that the Briton is exploring the possibility of purchasing a 24% stake in Alpine — a share presently owned by Otro Capital — through a personal investment group.

Horner has now broken his silence for the first time since departing Red Bull, re-emerging at the European Motor Show in Dublin, where he returned to the media spotlight and admitted he still feels he has unfinished business in Formula 1.

Photo: Race Pictures

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