Racing legend Mario Andretti has singled out Colton Herta as a standout contender for one of the much-anticipated Cadillac Formula 1 race seats for the 2026 season. Currently, Herta is a key player in the IndyCar series for Andretti’s team, which is under the stewardship of TWG Motorsports, a new division of TWG Global. The latter recently assumed control of the Andretti Global suite of motorsport entries previously managed by Michael Andretti.
Significantly, this suite encompasses the Cadillac F1 team, which has struck a deal with the commercial rights holder and the FIA to make its debut in the Grand Prix circuit in the coming season. Andretti, the 1978 Drivers’ Champion, is lending his expertise to the Cadillac F1 project, with the American brand undoubtedly capitalizing on his wealth of knowledge.
Andretti, aged 84, is confident that 24-year-old Herta, a shining star in the IndyCar arena, is an ideal candidate for the Cadillac F1 initiative. He reflected on Herta’s professional journey which started in Formula 3 and included experiences with notable peers like Lando Norris. Herta’s successful test run at Portimao in Portugal, conducted by Zak Brown, solidifies Andretti’s belief in his potential.
Herta’s performance peaked in 2024 when he secured an impressive second place in the Drivers’ standings in the IndyCar series. This feat was marked by two race victories and his first triumph on an oval course. Andretti opined that Herta could have clinched the championship had it not been for a few costly errors.
With the countdown to Cadillac’s F1 debut well underway, the American team is under pressure to finalize its driver line-up. Seasoned professionals like Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez are likely on the team’s shortlist, as is Zhou Guanyu, who is managed by Cadillac Team Principal Graeme Lowdon. Andretti confirmed that Cadillac aims to recruit “at least one American driver”, with the final decision expected to be announced by mid-year.
Despite the buzz around his potential F1 move, Herta remains unfazed. His name has previously made the rounds in the F1 paddock, with AlphaTauri (now Racing Bulls) attempting to sign him for the 2023 season. However, they were unable to secure an exemption from the FIA for a super license due to his insufficient points. Currently, Herta has 32 out of the 40 points needed for a super license. Achieving a top five position in this year’s IndyCar standings would tip the balance in his favor, but the Californian remains focused on his current IndyCar commitments.
