As the Formula 1 2026 season approaches, all eyes are on the Cadillac team as they prepare to make their debut in the high-stakes world of F1 racing. However, there’s a growing debate about who should be at the helm of their inaugural campaign. Colton Herta, the American IndyCar driver, has been touted as a potential candidate, but critics question his suitability for the role.
Gary Anderson, a former F1 designer, has voiced his skepticism about Herta’s abilities to take on the challenges of Formula 1 racing. According to Anderson, Herta’s performance in IndyCar, while impressive, may not translate to success in F1. In his view, Herta’s track record is marred by too many errors, and he questions whether Herta has the mental agility to navigate the complexities of F1.
Anderson argues that the Cadillac team should consider a different approach. He suggests that team principal Graeme Lowdon and board member Mario Andretti should set their sights on Kevin Magnussen, the former Haas driver, as a more experienced alternative to Herta. Anderson also recommends scouting from the current crop of Formula 2 drivers for a teammate to Magnussen.
The Cadillac team’s entry into F1 in 2026 coincides with the sport’s biggest overhaul to date. New regulations will see the introduction of smaller, lighter, and more agile cars, powered by state-of-the-art engines. The General Motors-backed Cadillac team is already making significant strides in preparation, with key personnel signings including former Marussia man Lowdown as team principal and Haas veteran Peter Crolla as team manager.
However, the question of who will be occupying the driver’s seat of the inaugural Cadillac F1 car remains unanswered. Although Andretti has expressed his preference for Colton Herta, Cadillac F1 chief Dan Towriss emphasizes that they are committed to making the right choice for the team.
Towriss insists that the selection process will not merely involve picking an American driver and placing them behind the wheel. Rather, they intend to ensure that the chosen driver is well-equipped for success in the demanding world of Formula 1 racing.
As the countdown to the 2026 season continues, potential candidates for the driver’s seat are emerging from the ranks of Formula 2. American drivers Jak Crawford and Max Esterson are among those currently competing in the F2 series and could potentially be contenders for the Cadillac spot.
Crawford, who also serves as an Aston Martin reserve driver, has expressed his ambition to make it onto the F1 radar. Despite it being early in the season, he remains hopeful that a successful run with DAMS could further his F1 dreams.
As Cadillac gears up for its F1 debut, the driver selection process will undoubtedly be a crucial factor in their success. Whoever they choose will need to demonstrate not only speed but also the mental acuity to compete in the fast-paced and complex world of Formula 1 racing. The anticipation builds as we look forward to seeing who will land this coveted position.
