On this week's episode of The Pit Straight, Frontstretch's open wheel panel of Kyle Benjamin, Wyatt Watson, Tom Blackburn, Michael Finley and Peter Molloy discuss Max Verstappen's dismissal of a British journalist from a media conference ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix in retribution for questions asked about his intentional contact with George Russell last year at Barcelona.

Plus, the team previews what to expect going into race four of the season at Suzuka Circuit.

In IndyCar, Watson and Blackburn highlight IndyCar's viewership momentum going into the Barber Motorsports Park race weekend. They also share who they have their eyes on to perform well on IndyCar's first traditional road course of the season.

https://youtube.com/live/RCnRpcQ2DQ0

2026 IndyCar Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix PreviewA move to March provides Barber the opportunity to continue IndyCar's 2026 momentum.

“The Pit Straight” is Frontstretch‘s open-wheel racing podcast, available during the racing season every Thursday evening on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube and right here on the web.