Formula 1 News of The Week September 12th 2025
With the Italian Grand Prix behind us, the paddock shifts gears once again—this time catching its breath before heading to Baku. But that doesn’t mean the news cycle has slowed down. From record-breaking drives to long-term driver signings and historic venue renewals, this week brought a flurry of headlines that will shape the future of Formula 1.
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Du Du Du Du! Max Verstappen!
Following a weekend where Max Verstappen broke the all-time Formula 1 speed record, the Dutchman unsurprisingly sits at the top of the latest F1 Power Rankings. His dominant pole-to-flag victory at Monza left judges and fans equally impressed, as he once again demonstrated why he remains the benchmark in the sport.
Verstappen’s drive was hailed as a “masterclass” in pace management and consistency. With the championship fight narrowing, his performance in Italy reminded everyone that Red Bull may still be the team to beat—even amid internal changes.
Also earning high marks was Oscar Piastri, whose pace in both qualifying and race conditions proved pivotal in securing McLaren’s double-points finish. The young Australian continues to impress with his calm under pressure and technical feedback, even as team orders in Monza added an extra layer of complexity to his weekend.
Alex Albon was another standout, receiving praise for what he called “one of the best Sundays of the year.” The Williams driver made up ground with smart tire management and firm but fair defending, reinforcing his position as a midfield giant-killer.
Other notable names in the rankings included George Russell, Charles Leclerc, and Yuki Tsunoda, all of whom contributed strong performances in what was a high-speed chess match around the Temple of Speed.
The Power Rankings also offer a reminder that while race wins matter, consistency, adaptability, and strategy execution often separate the good from the great. With just a few rounds left, expect every performance to be scrutinized as the leaderboard tightens.
Monaco to Remain on F1 Calendar Through 2035
In a major win for tradition, glamour, and old-school racing, Formula 1 has officially extended its agreement with the Automobile Club de Monaco, securing the Monaco Grand Prix through 2035. The new deal adds four years to the existing contract that had previously locked in the Principality until 2031.
One of the crown jewels of the F1 calendar, Monaco has been a fixture of the World Championship since its inaugural season in 1950. Its tight, unforgiving street layout has produced moments of magic, heartbreak, and chaos—making it both a driver’s ultimate test and a fan-favorite for its unmatched atmosphere.
Recent years have added new chapters to that legacy: Charles Leclerc made history in 2024 with a long-awaited home victory, and Lando Norris followed it up in 2025 by claiming his first Monaco win. F1 legends like Senna, Prost, Schumacher, and Hamilton have all triumphed on these narrow streets, further elevating the circuit’s mythical status.
F1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali called it “an iconic race that is loved by all drivers and fans,” emphasizing its unique role in the sport’s heritage and global appeal. Prince Albert II of Monaco echoed the sentiment, praising the renewed commitment as a celebration of Monaco’s deep-rooted motorsport culture.
Beyond the racing, Monaco has evolved with the times. The paddock and hospitality zones—including the addition of MSC Cruises’ luxury EXPLORA II ship docked directly in Port Hercule—offer one of the most exclusive fan experiences in global sport.
Looking ahead, Monaco will kick off the European leg of the 2026 season under F1’s new technical regulations, ushering in a new era of racing on one of its most iconic stages. For those dreaming of seeing F1 under the Riviera sun, now is the time to start planning.
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🔵 Gasly Commits to Alpine Through 2028 in Major Vote of Confidence
As the driver market continues to shift, Pierre Gasly has made his long-term intentions clear by signing a contract extension with Alpine through the end of the 2028 season. The announcement came ahead of the Italian Grand Prix weekend and signals Alpine’s commitment to stability as the sport approaches the regulation overhaul in 2026.
Gasly, now 29, joined the French outfit in 2023 and has since claimed two podiums while playing a pivotal role in securing sixth place in last year’s Constructors’ standings. While his previous contract wasn’t set to expire until the end of 2026, both sides were eager to lock in a longer-term agreement to provide continuity heading into F1’s next chapter.
“As a Frenchman, especially, driving for a French car company makes me feel very proud,” Gasly said. “Since I joined in 2023, I have always felt that this team is the right place to be for the future.”
Flavio Briatore, Alpine’s Executive Advisor, praised Gasly’s leadership and dedication, calling him “an immense asset during this challenging period.” He added that Alpine is now well-prepared for the new technical era and that confirming their lead driver was a critical step in the team’s rebuild.
Gasly’s extension also gives Alpine breathing room as they evaluate who will line up alongside him in 2026 and beyond. For now, Franco Colapinto occupies the second seat, but Alpine’s long-term vision may hinge on Colapinto’s development—or perhaps a new talent stepping into the spotlight.
In a time when uncertainty reigns across much of the grid, Alpine has found its anchor.
Colton Herta Joins Cadillac F1 as Test Driver for 2026
As Cadillac continues to shape its Formula 1 debut, the team has announced another major piece of the puzzle: IndyCar star Colton Herta will serve as the team’s official test driver for the 2026 season. The 25-year-old Californian becomes the latest American talent to break into the F1 ecosystem—and he’s not hiding his ambitions.
“This is a dream opportunity,” Herta said. “My dream has always been to race in Formula 1, and I see this move as a huge step towards that goal. For now, my focus is on giving everything I can to Cadillac F1, helping build a competitive team.”
Herta brings serious credentials from across the Atlantic. He became the youngest winner in IndyCar history in 2019 and has since collected nine wins and 16 poles in the series. While he was once linked to a potential seat at McLaren, this Cadillac deal represents his most direct pathway yet to an eventual F1 race seat.
Cadillac Team Principal Graeme Lowdon praised Herta’s maturity, experience, and racecraft, adding: “Colton represents the passion, ambition, and competitive spirit that define the Cadillac Formula 1 Team. Having an American driver join an American Formula 1 team is a hugely significant moment.”
This isn’t Herta’s first brush with F1 machinery—he previously tested for McLaren in 2022. His move to Cadillac also marks a return to European racing, having spent time alongside Lando Norris in junior formulas nearly a decade ago.
As the American outfit prepares for its 2026 entry with veterans Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez in the main seats, Herta becomes a central figure in Cadillac’s development program—and perhaps its long-term future behind the wheel.
🛣️ What’s Next: Azerbaijan Awaits
With the 2025 Italian Grand Prix in the rearview mirror and big moves happening off the track, Formula 1 is showing no signs of slowing down.
Next up: the high-speed streets of Baku for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, taking place from September 19–21. From power rankings to long-term commitments, the grid is shaping up for an intense final run.
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