The GIST: This weekend’s Qatar Grand Prix is the second-to-last race on the cal, but the biggest news out of the paddock is the arrival of a brand new team preparing to join the grid in 2026. Lights out, and away we go.

Cadillac F1 to start racing in 2026: As discussed on yesterday’s episode of The GIST of It, F1 will add a team to the track for the first time since 2016 after a bid from American automaker General Motors was approved on Monday. And while making it to the checkered flag is no easy feat, the fact that the 11th team is American underscores the sport’s recent popularity boom in the U.S.

• Plus, adding an 11th team expands the grid from 20 drivers to 22, meaning those extra seats provide additional opportunities for fan faves, like Daniel Ricciardo for example, to return to the grid in 2026. Watch this space.

World Constructors’ Championship (WCC) on the line in penultimate race: As for the ongoing action, Ferrari, McLaren, and Red Bull are still vying for the F1 team title with not one but two opportunities to snag points in Qatar: Saturday’s 9 a.m. ET sprint race (19 laps) and Sunday’s 11 a.m. ET main event (57 laps).

• This weekend also marks the return of F1’s all-women series, F1 Academy, where British phenom and friend of The GIST, Abbi Pulling, is racing to become the second-ever F1 Academy champ. Rev those engines.

The GIST: The No. 1 USWNT is back in the spotlight this week, gearing up for Saturday’s friendly against No. 2 England. But ahead of the first leg of the Americans’ Euro tour, veteran goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher announced her upcoming retirement from the international game. *sobs*

Naeher leaves the USWNT on top: Her club days aren’t over just yet, but the red, white, and blue’s next two friendlies will be Naeher’s last in a 15-year tenure. The penalty kick (PK) queen will hang up her global boots as a two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup (WWC) winner and Olympic gold medalist.

• Naeher ascended to the starting keeper spot in 2016, tallying 88 wins, 14 draws, and just six losses for the U.S. in the eight years that followed.
• The notoriously private player’s legend grew over the years, exploding during the 2019 WWC and reaching new heights at the Paris Olympics, where she notched a record-setting four shutouts. Forever one of the greats.

Anticipate a fresh lineup Saturday at 12:20 p.m. ET at Wembley Stadium: While Naeher will likely make at least one more USWNT appearance, either during Saturday’s friendly or in next Tuesday’s game against the No. 11 Netherlands, fans can expect to see many new faces in Europe.

• Forwards Sophia Smith, Mallory Swanson, and Trinity Rodman — aka Triple Espresso — are staying stateside to recuperate from the NWSL season, meaning head coach Emma Hayes could opt for young talent like Alyssa Thompson or newcomer Ally Sentnor up top.
• Eyes will also be on the midfield, with hopes of seeing Lily Yohannes take the pitch in her first game since committing to the USWNT earlier this month. She shoots, she scores.

The holiday season isn’t only about mistletoe and snowy nighttime strolls — it’s also about stamina. From company shindigs to White Elephants to every Hanukkah party in between, your once-fresh face of makeup is being put through the ringer: that’s why you need e.l.f.’s Power Grip Primer.

• The Power Grip Primer creates a smooth base for flawless application and slides on clear, making it the ultimate prep step for all skin tones and types.
• Best of all, the Power Grip Primer has endurance, ensuring your makeup won’t budge — and did we mention it’s only $10? Say less, then spend less with e.l.f. Cosmetics.

🎓🏐 NCAA volleyball: No. 1 Pittsburgh vs. No. 3 Louisville — Tonight at 7 p.m. ET — ACCN

• The winner of this ACC grudge match will clinch a share of the conference championship, adding an extra layer of excitement to this storied rivalry. Pitt has the advantage, having won their last three meetings, but each matchup went the full five sets. Pop that corn.

🎓⚽ NCAA women’s soccer: Quarter-finals — Starting Friday at 5 p.m. ET — ESPN+

• In the first conference-realigned women’s soccer postseason, six of the eight squads in this weekend’s quarter-finals are from the ACC, including No. 3 Stanford and No. 4 Notre Dame, who kick off the playoff party on Friday.

🏉 World Rugby: Dubai Sevens — Friday through Sunday — Peacock

• Twelve women’s and men’s teams descend upon Dubai for the first leg of the SVNS World Series this weekend, including both of America’s squads. The name of the game? Avenging Olympic losses. Ruck yeah.

⚽ MLS Cup: Conference Finals — Saturday at 7:30 and 10 p.m. ET — MLS Season Pass on Apple TV+

• The MLS Eastern and Western Conference Finals pit gritty No. 4 seed Orlando City SC against plucky No. 7 seed NY Red Bulls, followed by a showdown between top dog No. 2 LA Galaxy and the upstart No. 4 seed Seattle Sounders.

Our podcast, The GIST of It, sponsored by Aflac. Thanks to Aflac’s support, we’re serving up hot takes and sports updates every Tuesday and Thursday. Join us, won’t you?*

Pop-Tarts. Edible mascots are back for the upcoming Pop-Tarts Bowl, and this year’s MVP will get to pick which flavor gets devoured. Delicious.

Ice Warriors Magazine. The new publication highlights PWHL players, mixing hockey coverage with lifestyle content. Puck yeah.

*P.S. This is a sponsored post. Straight fire.