- Big Announcement (3rd Sept 2025):
The Cadillac Formula 1 team, set to join the grid in 2026, officially confirmed that Colton Herta, a talented 25-year-old American IndyCar driver, has been signed as their test and development driver. - Driver Lineup Context:
Cadillac’s main 2026 driver pairing is already strong and experienced:- Sergio Pérez (ex-Red Bull, veteran racer known for his racecraft).
- Valtteri Bottas (ex-Mercedes and Alfa Romeo/Sauber driver, experienced in top teams).
- Herta’s Challenge – Super License Issue:
- Herta currently lacks 5 super-license points, which are required for an official F1 race seat.
- One of his existing points is also set to expire soon, making the gap even trickier.
- To fix this, Cadillac plans to field him in Friday Free Practice sessions during the 2025 season. Each successful session could help him accumulate the points needed.
- Why This Matters:
- Herta has long been seen as one of America’s brightest motorsport talents, but visa issues and F1’s super-license rules previously blocked him.
- By bringing him in, Cadillac strengthens its ties to the US market, appealing to fans ahead of its full debut.
- This aligns with F1’s expansion in the US (Miami, Las Vegas, Austin races), where American representation is in high demand.
➡️ Impact: Cadillac has made a bold move, not just to compete on track, but to establish itself as the “American team” that fans can rally behind.
2️⃣ Return of V8 Engines – Not Happening Before 2031
- Speculation:
For months, rumors circulated that Formula 1 might bring back naturally aspirated V8 engines, especially with advancements in 100% sustainable fuels. Some insiders floated the year 2029 as a possible return window. - The Update (Early September 2025):
According to FIA and manufacturer discussions, a return to V8 engines is now considered highly unlikely before 2031. - Why the Delay:
- The 2026 engine regulations are already locked in: hybrid units with 50% electric power and fully sustainable fuel.
- Major manufacturers—Mercedes, Audi, Honda, and Ferrari—are heavily invested in these hybrid systems and want regulatory stability through at least 2030.
- A premature switch to V8s could disrupt years of research and billions in investment.
- What Fans Want vs. What Teams Want:
- Many traditional F1 fans yearn for the sound and drama of V8 engines.
- Teams, however, prioritize technology development that aligns with road-car industries (hybrids, electrification, and carbon-neutral fuel).
➡️ Conclusion: Nostalgic fans may have to wait at least another 6 years before F1 seriously considers a V8 return.
3️⃣ Italian Grand Prix (Monza) Build-Up Heats Up
Even though the Italian GP (Sept 5–7, 2025) is just outside your date range, much of the buzz and news came during the Sept 1–3 window.
- Championship Standings Before Monza:
- Oscar Piastri (McLaren) → leading the Drivers’ Championship by 34 points.
- Lando Norris (McLaren) → second place, keeping the pressure on his teammate.
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull) → third, a further 104 points behind Norris, leaving him with ground to make up.
- Ferrari’s Spotlight at Home:
- Lewis Hamilton, now driving for Ferrari, faces huge pressure from the Tifosi (Ferrari’s passionate fanbase).
- Unfortunately, Hamilton carries a five-place grid penalty at Monza, making his podium chances harder.
- Teammate Charles Leclerc hopes to deliver a big result at home.
- Why Monza Is Special:
- Known as the “Temple of Speed,” Monza is Ferrari’s most important race of the season.
- The Italian crowd is famous for its sea of red flags and emotional atmosphere.
- The fight between McLaren’s dominance, Red Bull’s resilience, and Ferrari’s home advantage makes this GP especially dramatic.
➡️ Key Storylines: Will McLaren continue their stranglehold? Can Verstappen pull off a surprise? Or will Ferrari finally give their fans something to cheer for at Monza?
📊 Recap Table (01–03 September 2025 F1 News)
| Headline | Details |
|---|---|
| Cadillac Signs Colton Herta | IndyCar star joins as test driver for Cadillac F1’s 2026 entry; still needs super-license points. |
| V8 Engines Delayed | No return before 2031; focus remains on 2026 hybrid + sustainable fuel era. |
| Italian GP Buzz | Piastri leads standings; Norris & Verstappen chasing; Ferrari under pressure at Monza with Hamilton carrying a penalty. |
✅ In summary: These three days were about Cadillac building for the future, the FIA ruling out a V8 return anytime soon, and the Monza fever growing louder as F1 heads into one of its most historic weekends.
