As F1’s 10 teams prepare for the beginning of 2025 pre-season testing, the arrival of fresh 2026 regulations loom in the background. New aerodynamic and engine rules will put a spanner in the works across the field.
Another variable to contend with will be Cadillac. The US squad, initially kick-started by the Andretti’s, will become F1’s 11th team in 2026.
In the context of last year’s hectic driver market, there are several options to complete their driver line-up.
Colton Herta has been a leading option for Cadillac since their F1 entry was confirmed. Recent comments from Mario Andretti confirm this.
Cadillac likely to pursue Herta
On paper, there are still some obstacles for Colton Herta to enter Formula 1. Most notably, a lack of SuperLicense points could become an issue later in the season.
However, if the American driver has another strong IndyCar campaign, this sticking point should be resolved.
Cadillac have been vocal about wanting at least one American driver in their F1 team. This puts Herta in a very good position heading into their 2026 decision-making.
Colton’s status as the team’s preferred US option means he will not necessarily be in direct competition with experienced names – like Bottas or Zhou – for a seat.
This could be a useful advantage for the 24-year-old in negotiations later this year.
Mario Andretti, who is still a key voice in the Cadillac project, has previously spoken in glowing terms about Herta.
“There’s another year to go on, so you have to keep an open mind,” he told GPBlog.
“But I am, yes. I’m a supporter of Colton because of his experience.
“I mean, he’s raced at a young age alongside Lando Norris, individuals like that who are obviously a prominent in Formula One now. And his experience is vast.
“He spent three years in Europe, he has a good feel for the circuits and so forth.
“He did a phenomenal test at Portimao in Portugal, it was last year, for McLaren. And it’s really interesting what he’s capable of in a Formula One car.”
Herta remains in the driving seat
Inevitably, the driver market is in a constant state of evolution. As evidenced by the casualties from last year’s silly season, some very strong options could present themselves to Cadillac.
Someone like Yuki Tsunoda, for example, could emerge as a potential target in the coming months.
Still, it would take an unexpected turn of events for Colton Herta to lose his position as a front-runner in Cadillac’s considerations.
Whilst team principal Graeme Lowdon works behind the scenes, advisor Mario Andretti often provides valuable indicators of the US squad’s perspective.
In a recent interview, he reaffirmed the value Cadillac place on having an American driver:
“Everything is ongoing right now,” he told motorsport.com.
“You think about those things every day, and that’s going to become official probably mid-year.
“We are obviously looking at every aspect of every opportunity that’s there.
“It’s clear that the objectives are to have at least one American driver and then another experienced driver alongside, and start like that.”
