You are receiving this email because you subscribed to Business of Speed, the newsletter for those wanting to stay ahead on what’s happening behind the scenes. I’m Vincenzo Landino, a business, tech, and F1 commentator. I’ve spent the last ten years at the intersection of content, partnerships, and the business of motorsport. This newsletter is where I break down what’s working, what’s shifting, and what’s next without the PR gloss. Thank you for being here.
The motorsports world rarely pauses for breath, but this week proved that even by F1's breakneck standards, the business of speed can shift into overdrive. From Colton Herta's historic leap across the Atlantic to McLaren's record-shattering $5 billion valuation, the past seven days delivered enough seismic shifts to reshape the entire paddock landscape.
While F1 teams descended on Monza for the Italian Grand Prix, the real action unfolded in boardrooms and press conferences.
Colton Herta's Leap to Cadillac F1
Nine-time IndyCar winner Colton Herta officially joined Cadillac as a test driver for their 2026 F1 debut, marking an unprecedented move from America's premier open-wheel series to Formula 2. The 25-year-old will leave IndyCar to race in F2 next season to secure the Super License points needed for a potential F1 race seat in 2027. Herta currently sits six points short of the required 40 for an F1 Super License and will need either a top-eight F2 finish or six FP1 sessions to qualify.
Will Power Fills Andretti's Vacancy
Two-time IndyCar champion Will Power moves to Andretti Global after 17 years with Team Penske, taking over Herta's #26 Honda for 2026. The 45-year-old brings 45 career wins and a record 71 poles to the team as they rebuild under new ownership. Power's departure from Penske came after prolonged contract negotiations that left him feeling "strung along" throughout the 2025 season.
McLaren's $5 Billion Valuation Shatters Records
Bahrain's Mumtalakat and Abu Dhabi's CYVN Holdings completed their takeover of McLaren Racing at a record $5 billion valuation, surpassing Ferrari's previous $4.8 billion benchmark. The Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds acquired the remaining 30% stake from MSP Sports Capital and other investors, with MSP reportedly achieving a ten-times return on their 2020 investment. The deal consolidates ownership following McLaren's dominant 2025 campaign, which has featured 12 wins in 15 races.
F1 Considers V8 Return Amid Fuel Cost Crisis
Formula 1 faces a sustainability fuel crisis as 2026 costs balloon to $300 per liter—a 1000% increase from current levels. Teams now face potential annual fuel bills of $12 million, prompting emergency meetings between the FIA and manufacturers following Monza. Reports suggest that F1 is exploring a return to 2.4L V8 hybrid engines, which combine naturally aspirated power with 220-240kW of electric output, as a more straightforward and affordable solution.
Steiner's Surprise MotoGP Move
Former Haas F1 boss Guenther Steiner finalized his purchase of the Tech3 MotoGP team with guarantees from Dorna that the squad will remain on the grid beyond 2026. The Austrian's move to two-wheel racing represents a dramatic career shift following his highly publicized exit from F1 with Haas in 2023.
Ferrari's Lauda Tribute at Monza
Ferrari unveiled a special livery for the Italian Grand Prix, commemorating the 50th anniversary of Niki Lauda's first World Championship. The SF-25 cars feature the deeper red shade, white engine covers, and metallic silver wings of Lauda's title-winning 312T from 1975. The tribute coincides with Lewis Hamilton's first appearance in Ferrari colors at the Italian GP.
Future Calendar Expansion Plans
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali confirmed that Portugal, Turkey, and Germany are targeting a return to the calendar after 2026, although no specific timeline was provided. The 2026 season will feature Madrid's debut as the final European race before heading to Asia.
Ford Rebrands for F1 Era
Ford Performance has officially renamed itself Ford Racing, reflecting the brand's expanded motorsport portfolio ahead of its 2026 Formula 1 partnership with Red Bull Powertrains. The American manufacturer has increased its involvement to encompass "almost the entire car" development for Red Bull's 2026 challenger.
Le Mans Format Evolution
The Road to Le Mans will transition from two 1-hour races to a single 3-hour endurance event in 2026, taking place on the full 13.6km Circuit de la Sarthe. The format change aligns with global endurance racing trends, emphasizing strategy and stamina over sprint-style competition.
Safety Car Upgrade
F1 upgraded its safety car fleet with the Aston Martin Vantage S, featuring 680 horsepower and enhanced aerodynamics for improved stability when leading the field. The performance-focused variant debuts at Zandvoort, featuring specialized cooling and FIA-approved lighting equipment.
You are receiving this email because you subscribed to Business of Speed, the newsletter for those wanting to stay ahead on what’s happening behind the scenes. I’m Vincenzo Landino, a business, tech, and F1 commentator. I’ve spent the last ten years at the intersection of content, partnerships, and the business of motorsport. This newsletter is where I break down what’s working, what’s shifting, and what’s next without the PR gloss. Thank you for being here.
Great stuff!