😲The Great V8 Switcheroo... Is Canceled?

I'm convinced I'm just one hardware upgrade away from unlocking my true potential. I'm not sure what it is yet—a new wheel, better pedals, a faster internet connection—but I'm certain my lack of talent has nothing to do with it.

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A modular racing core: The RS50 Base delivers a precise and immersive experience by combining an 8 Nm direct drive motor with Logitech's signature TRUEFORCE high-definition haptic feedback system. It serves as the heart of a versatile ecosystem, offering multi-platform compatibility for PC, PlayStation, and Xbox (with a compatible wheel) and allowing racers to connect their older G Series pedals and shifters via an adapter. Built with longevity and sustainability in mind, the base features user-repairable components, a low-carbon aluminum case, and a high percentage of recycled plastic in its construction.

FIA abandons V8 engine plans for 2029: FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem's plan to switch to V8 engines for the 2029 Formula 1 season was canceled due to a lack of consensus among manufacturers. The proposal, which included a 2.4-liter V8 powered by sustainable fuel, aimed to reduce the high costs and complexity of the upcoming 2026 turbo hybrids. However, most manufacturers were not in favor of changing the engine formula so soon after the introduction of the new 2026 regulations, citing the huge costs of a "dual investment project" and the fact that a major engine change would require a "super-majority" of manufacturers, which the plan lacked.

Get on the track: Nacon, a long-time manufacturer of gaming accessories, has entered the sim-racing world with its new brand, Revosim. The company's Revosim RS Pure package, which includes a 9Nm direct drive wheel base, a steering wheel, and load cell pedals, is currently on sale for £699. However, competitor Fanatec has also dropped the price on its CSL DD WRC bundle to £499, a deal that undercuts Nacon's new offer. Both companies are lowering the price of their entry-level kits, but Fanatec's is currently the cheaper option. Fanatec also reduced the price of their CSL Cockpit to only £249

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Colton Herta's journey to Formula 1 is less of a straight line and more of a meticulously calculated game of chess. From his roots in a bona fide American racing dynasty to his record-shattering feats in IndyCar, Herta has always had his eye on a single prize: a seat in F1. This isn't just a personal story; it's a case study of a driver betting it all, managed by a team that sees him as a key asset in a long-term play to put an American star at the pinnacle of global racing.

You’ve heard of drivers moving up the ladder, but what about a top-tier star stepping down a rung? That’s exactly what Herta is doing, and it's a bold move that's grabbing headlines. The nine-time IndyCar race winner is leaving his familiar, front-running seat to compete in Formula 2. This pivot is a direct, high-stakes wager designed to satisfy a bureaucratic hurdle that has twice denied him an F1 seat: the FIA Super License. The Super License is a tiered points system, and a peculiar quirk means that a third-place finish in F2 is worth more points than a second-place finish in IndyCar. For a driver who entered 2026 with 34 Super License points, this move isn't about pride—it's about a strategic play to get the six additional points he needs to qualify. His decision to take on this challenge has been praised as “courageous” by his contemporaries. It's a move that actively counters any “entitlement” narrative that has sometimes followed American drivers to Europe and shows “respect” to the open-wheel ladder there.

Herta’s audacious move isn’t a solo act; it’s part of a powerful partnership with the new Cadillac F1 team. The same ownership group behind Herta’s IndyCar team, Andretti Global, is also a key partner in the Cadillac F1 project, which means his transition is a natural, internal progression. His new role as a test driver for the 2026 season is a critical component of this master plan. While Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez will be the primary drivers, Herta’s job is to be instrumental in the car’s development through extensive simulator work and on-track testing. This position provides him with invaluable experience in an F1 car and an opportunity to become fully integrated into the team’s operations, culture, and technical development process. This direct line of communication with his future employer means that his F2 campaign isn’t just about race results. Cadillac’s CEO, Dan Towriss, has made it clear they’re building a “body of work” and that Herta is being evaluated on his learning and adaptability. In short, even a challenging season on the track won't necessarily diminish his value, because his true proving ground is the direct feedback he gives the team and the progress he makes behind the scenes.

The F2 car is “completely different” from an IndyCar, and Herta will need to adapt to a new paradigm of racing. The most significant hurdle will be mastering the Pirelli tires, which are known for their fast-degrading nature and require a nuanced driving style centered on a single, high-performance lap. This is a subtle but critical technical difference he’ll have to conquer to be competitive. Herta’s ultimate success hinges on his ability to adapt. His F2 campaign is the final, crucial step in a long journey. But with a powerful team backing him and a clear path to F1, the checkered flag is finally in sight.

What do you think of Herta's decision to make this unconventional career move?

This week we jump into a Sim Racing Nation member feature with Leo Ovtcharov, a dedicated sim racer with a fascinating background. Born in Bulgaria to a Nicaraguan mother and a Bulgarian father, Leo now calls Long Beach, California, his home. When he's not at his full-time job at Avis Rental Car, he's ripping laps in iRacing, primarily competing in public races and special events like the FIA F4 Esports Global Championship. While he doesn't have a long list of notable achievements, his passion for the sport is clear.

Leo’s main goal was to crack the top 5 in the Skip Barber Formula iRacing Series, a challenge that he’s tackling with the same dedication he applies to his personal life and he managed to wrap up the series recently in 4th overall. What a feat! It’s ironic because he sent this interview response in before he completed the series. Beyond the virtual world, Leo is focused on building a better future by working to increase his income to support his passions.

He and his partner love to get away, exploring new places—whether it's a quaint Dutch town in Southern California or a restaurant serving a dish he’s never tried before. But sometimes, the best moments are the quiet ones: relaxing at home on a day off, sipping a fresh cup of coffee, and binging the latest anime.

Follow Leo on his journey: