Home SPORTS Colton Herta Closes in on F1 Super License: What's Next?

Colton Herta Closes in on F1 Super License: What's Next?

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Colton Herta
Colton Herta needs just 5 more points for an F1 super license.


Colton Herta is just five points shy of the 40 needed for an F1 super license. Learn more about his options and challenges.


“This is a dream opportunity, and one I’ve been working towards for a long time. To be part of Cadillac F1’s entry at such a pivotal time is something...”


Colton Herta Joins Cadillac as Test Driver

Colton Herta, a nine-time IndyCar winner, is set to join Cadillac as a test driver for their upcoming Formula 1 debut in 2026. This move marks a significant step for Herta, who has always dreamed of racing in F1. With his experience in top-level American motorsport, Herta will bring valuable insights and energy to the team.


Herta's Reaction and Role

“I'm incredibly excited to be joining the Cadillac Formula 1 Team as a Test Driver,” Herta said. As a test driver, Herta will focus on simulator work, test sessions, and integrating into the team's culture. His ultimate goal is to secure a full-time F1 seat.


Cadillac's Driver Lineup

Cadillac has already announced Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez as their race driver pairing for 2026. With Herta on board as a test driver, the team is blending international experience with American influence. “Having an American driver join an American Formula 1 team is a hugely significant moment,” said Team Principal Graeme Lowdon.




Colton Herta, 25, has been named as a test driver for the Cadillac Formula 1 team. The American driver has long harbored F1 ambitions but lacked the requisite super-licence points to compete in the championship. With his new role, Herta is one step closer to achieving his dream.


Herta said. “To be part of Cadillac F1’s entry at such a pivotal time is something I couldn’t pass up. My dream has always been to race in Formula One, 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.”


Cadillac F1 Team

  • 2026 Lineup: Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez
  • Herta's Role: Test driver, helping build a competitive team
  • Future Plans: Details on Herta's 2026 racing program to be announced in due course.


Colton Herta Joins Cadillac Formula 1 Team as Test Driver

Colton Herta, a nine-time IndyCar winner, has been named as the test driver for the Cadillac Formula 1 Team. Team principal Graeme Lowdon expressed his excitement about having an American driver join the team, saying, “Having an American driver join an American Formula 1 team is a hugely significant moment, not only for our team, but for American motorsport as a whole.” Lowdon highlighted Herta's exceptional talent, speed, and maturity, making him an ideal fit for the role.


“This is a dream opportunity, and one I’ve been working towards for a long time. To be part of Cadillac F1’s entry at such a pivotal time is something I couldn’t pass up,” he said in a statement ahead of this weekend's Italian Grand Prix.


“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's Role and Ambitions

Herta will bring valuable insights and energy to the team as they prepare for their 2026 debut. “Colton represents the passion, ambition, and competitive spirit that define the Cadillac Formula One Team, and we are proud to have him carry the American flag with us on the world stage,” Lowdon added. Herta's dream has always been to race in Formula 1, and he sees this move as a huge step towards that goal.


About Colton Herta

  • Age: 25
  • Nationality: American
  • Background: Son of IndyCar and ChampCar driver Bryan Herta
  • Achievements: 9-time IndyCar winner, 16 pole positions, and over 1,000 laps led
  • Previous Experience: Competed in Euroformula Open Championship and British F3, tested a 2021-spec McLaren MCL35M 


Colton Herta's Career Highlights and Cadillac F1 Team Appointment

Colton Herta, a 25-year-old American racing driver, has been appointed as the test driver for the Cadillac Formula 1 Team. Herta made history in 2019 by becoming the youngest driver to win an IndyCar series race and start a race from pole position. With nine IndyCar wins and 16 pole positions in 116 starts, Herta brings valuable experience to the team.



Herta's Background and Experience
  • IndyCar Career: 9-time winner, 16 pole positions, and over 1,000 laps led
  • Previous F1 Experience: Tested a 2021-spec McLaren MCL35M at Portimão in 2022
  • Sports Car Racing: Won IMSA's 24 Hours of Daytona twice and the 12 Hours of Sebring in 2024
  • European Racing Roots: Competed in Euroformula Open Championship and British F3, securing multiple wins and podiums.


Cadillac F1 Team and Future Plans

The Cadillac Formula 1 Team will debut in 2026 with Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez as their race drivers. Herta's role will focus on supporting the team as they build towards their maiden campaign. “My dream has always been to race in Formula 1, and I see this move as a huge step towards that goal,” Herta said. An announcement on his 2026 racing program will be made in due course.


Colton Herta is just five points shy of the 40 needed for an F1 super license, with one point set to expire. To meet the requirement, Herta has a couple of options. He could finish fourth in the 2025 IndyCar championship, earning him 10 points, or finish fifth and earn eight points, which would bring his total to 39. From there, he could participate in a Friday F1 practice session, earning the one point needed to reach the 40-point threshold.


Possible Paths to Secure a Super License

  • Finish fourth in the 2025 IndyCar championship: Earn 10 points, totaling 41 points

  • Finish fifth in the 2025 IndyCar championship: Earn 8 points, totaling 39 points, and then participate in one Friday F1 practice session to earn 1 point.
  • Participate in multiple Friday F1 practice sessions: If Herta finishes lower in the championship, he would need to complete multiple practice sessions to earn the required points.

Current Standings and Challenges

Herta currently has 31 super license points, with one point set to expire from his 2023 season. He finished 10th in the 2023 IndyCar championship, earning one point, and second in the 2024 season, earning 30 points. With only a few races left in the season, Herta trails the leader by a significant margin, making it challenging to secure the required points.




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