As Cadillac dives into its Formula 1 project, a key piece of the puzzle remains undecided: the driver lineup. For 24-year-old IndyCar star Colton Herta, his shot at an F1 seat with Cadillac depends heavily on his 2025 IndyCar season performance.
Colton Herta and F1 in 2022
Colton Herta nearly joined the F1 grid in 2022, when Red Bull tapped him as their top choice to replace Pierre Gasly at AlphaTauri. Unfortunately, a lack of Super License points blocked the deal, paving the way for Nyck de Vries to snag the seat instead.
Fast forward two years, and Herta’s F1 aspirations are alive once more, thanks to General Motors and Cadillac securing their spot on the 2026 Formula 1 grid. While the Andretti name—key to kickstarting the project—has stepped into the background, racing legend Mario Andretti still plays a significant role as a director on the board.
Why Herta is a Contender
Mario Andretti, an F1 Champion and longtime admirer of Herta, has been vocal about the young American’s potential:
“I’m a supporter of Colton because of his experience,” Andretti told GPBlog. “He raced at a young age alongside Lando Norris… He did a phenomenal test at Portimão for McLaren last year. It’s really interesting what he’s capable of in a Formula 1 car.”
Herta’s resume includes three years racing in Europe and a test outing in Portugal with McLaren, underscoring his potential to adapt quickly to F1 machinery.
Climbing the Super License Ladder
Currently, Herta has 31 of the 40 Super License points required for an F1 seat. Securing those final nine points is achievable with a strong 2025 IndyCar campaign:
- 4th or higher in the IndyCar standings = 40+ points
- 5th place = 39 points, with an additional point attainable through a 100km Free Practice session
After finishing 10th in the IndyCar standings in 2022 and 2023, Herta surged to 2nd place in 2024. A top-four finish next season is well within his grasp.
Challenges Ahead
While Herta is a prime candidate for Cadillac’s F1 seat, he isn’t the only name in the mix. The team’s decision could be swayed by other variables, including potential interest from veteran drivers like Valtteri Bottas or shifts during F1’s famously chaotic “silly season.”
However, one thing is clear: Cadillac’s desire for an American driver makes Herta a frontrunner. Beyond just earning his Super License, a strong IndyCar season could elevate Herta’s value and bolster his case for joining the F1 grid.
Colton Herta Eyes on 2025
For now, Herta’s focus must remain on delivering consistent results in IndyCar. His performance could open the door to one of the most coveted opportunities in motorsport: becoming the first American driver for Cadillac’s Formula 1 team.
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