Kimi Antonelli just won his second straight Grand Prix and is now the youngest driver to ever lead the Formula 1 championship. But the bigger story out of Japan? Oliver Bearman's terrifying 50G crash caused by the 2026 regulation issues that drivers have been warning about all season. Carlos Sainz spoke out after the race, and the FIA says changes are coming during the break — but is it too little too late?

In NASCAR, Chase Elliott took the win at Darlington with a bold pit strategy that paid off perfectly. Off the track, NASCAR announced this year's Hall of Fame nominees, and the biggest name on the list is Kevin Harvick. But the nominations have sparked a real debate — should the NASCAR Hall of Fame be reserved for Cup Series success, or is it bigger than that? Denny Hamlin, Dale Jr., and Kenny Wallace all weigh in, and Thomas breaks down why a lifetime achievement award might be the real solution.

Plus, Michael Jordan's recent media tour has given fans a fascinating look into why the GOAT is pouring his competitive energy into 23XI Racing — and what that means for the sport.

We also cover Alex Palou's IndyCar win and give an update on the next version of Racing Picks, including how early signups lock in a free premium account for life.

🏁 Make your picks for FREE at racingpicks.co📱 Follow us on Instagram, YouTube & Facebook🎧 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts & Spotify

TIMESTAMPS:0:00 – Intro & weekend winners recap0:39 – Antonelli leads the F1 championship1:30 – F1 regulation problems continue2:04 – Bearman's 50G crash at Suzuka2:52 – FIA promises changes — too little too late?4:06 – Why F1 needs to prioritize racing over R&D6:22 – NASCAR: Chase Elliott wins at Darlington7:40 – NASCAR Hall of Fame nominees & Kevin Harvick9:02 – The Hall of Fame debate: who belongs?10:45 – Thomas's solution: lifetime achievement awards12:38 – Michael Jordan's NASCAR media tour14:22 – The GOAT comparison: MJ and Verstappen15:00 – Racing Picks platform update & V3 preview16:33 – Free premium for life — how to lock it in

Kimi Antonelli just made Formula 1 history. In this week's episode of Racing Picks, we break down everything from the Chinese Grand Prix — where Antonelli became the youngest pole sitter ever and converted it into his first career win for Mercedes.

We also dive into Max Verstappen's growing frustrations with the 2025 regulations, his retirement from the race, and what that viral private jet meeting with Red Bull leadership really means for his future in the sport.

Over in NASCAR, Denny Hamlin claimed his 61st career victory in Las Vegas, passing Kevin Harvick for 10th on the all-time wins list. Plus, the post-race confrontation between Ross Chastain and Daniel Suarez that nearly turned into a fight on pit lane.

And in IndyCar, the inaugural Arlington Grand Prix delivered one of the best street course debuts in recent memory. Kyle Kirkwood took the win and moved into first in the standings, while Marcus Ericsson earned his first career IndyCar pole position.

We also look ahead to NASCAR at Darlington (throwback weekend!), IndyCar at Barber Motorsports Park, and F1's upcoming break — including the canceled races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia and what that means for the rest of the calendar.

🏁 Make your picks for this weekend's races for FREE at racingpicks.co 📱 Follow us on Instagram, YouTube & Facebook 🎧 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts & Spotify

This week was the first huge weekend of the year with Formula 1, NASCAR, and IndyCar all racing at the same time. In this episode, I break down George Russell winning the Australian Grand Prix, Max Verstappen charging from the back, NASCAR at Phoenix, IndyCar’s desert doubleheader, the Cletus McFarland NASCAR debate, and whether these NASCAR/IndyCar combo weekends actually work.

I also talk about:

• F1’s new regulations and whether they’re good for the sport

• Oscar Piastri’s brutal home-race disappointment

• Ryan Blaney’s win at Phoenix

• Joseph Newgarden taking the IndyCar victory

• the future of NASCAR and IndyCar doubleheaders

• Max Verstappen racing outside F1

• IndyCar’s new Freedom 250 in Washington, DC

Make your picks every week at racingpicks.co for NASCAR, IndyCar, and Formula 1.

Welcome to the first ever episode of the Racing Picks Podcast.

In this episode, I break down:

• The story behind Racing Picks
• How I grew up in NASCAR and got hooked on Formula One
• Why Drive to Survive changed everything
• NASCAR’s new Chase format and why I think it’s better
• Michael Jordan & 23XI vs NASCAR
• Tyler Reddick’s historic start
• IndyCar and Alex Palou’s dominance
• My predictions for the Australian Grand Prix

If you love NASCAR, Formula 1, or IndyCar — this is the place for weekly race recaps, opinions, and predictions.

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Follow on Instagram: @racingpicks.co

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