Cadillac has a whole host of options as it decides who will spearhead its new Formula 1 operations from 2026.
Daniel Ricciardo, Sergio Perez, and Valtteri Bottas have all been linked with drives due to the experience they bring.
Peter Windsor thinks there are two reasons why Cadillac won’t sign Perez and that the Mexican may be overlooked.
Competing in the Constructors’ Championship is going to be a tricky task, but one they can take on with a driver that will hit the ground running.
But Cadillac may want to bring their own flare as they become the 11th team in Formula 1 – the first time the sport has had so many outfits since 2016.
Signing an American driver could be one of their main priorities but finding one that meets the FIA super licence points requirements is another task.
Colton Herta was ‘so impressive’ for McLaren in 2022 F1 test
Mario Andretti wants Cadillac to adopt McLaren’s amazing F1 model as they begin their journey towards success in the sport.
Andretti won his F1 title back in 1978, and it’s a shame that his experience in the car can’t be of much use to them on the track.
His son Michael, does have links to an American driver who might be able to run in the car in 2026 if he manages a good IndyCar campaign this season.
READ MORE: 26-point driver tells Cadillac he’s ‘ready’ for 2026 call-up despite 13-year absence from F1
Colton Herta needs to secure a finish of fourth or better to secure the super licence points required for a drive in F1.
Jake Boxall-Legge wrote on Motorsport-Total.com that Herta has already impressed McLaren with his running in a test a few years ago, which could go in his favour as Cadillac assesses their options.
“Ultimately, the most important question is that of performance,” he said. “Herta is said to have been so impressive in the tests for McLaren in 2022 that AlphaTauri wanted to secure its services for next year.”
Is Colton Herta a good option for Cadillac’s F1 operation?
Herta endured a bit of a dry spell of form in 2023 before bouncing back with a far stronger campaign in 2024 with two IndyCar victories.
He finished 31 points shy of winning the title, but the super licence points he earned will make his task a little easier this season.
READ MORE: The key reason why Cadillac are running Ferrari engines before GM brings their power units to F1 in 2028
There’s still some pressure on the 24-year-old though, whose hopes of reaching the pinnacle of motorsport are beginning to reach a now-or-never stage. Herta has proven that he has talent though.
Cadillac could sign one of three Ferrari juniors as they search for talent after the two made an engine partnership together.
Relinquishing control of one of their seats to a loaned driver may not be of interest to them though, especially while they are new to the sport.
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