The news that everybody had been waiting for after the Las Vegas Grand Prix was confirmed on Monday that Formula 1 had agreed in principle for a General Motors-backed Cadillac team to enter the sport in 2026.
Although official confirmation that Cadillac will enter an F1 team in just over a year hasn’t been reached yet, this is the most positive step we’ve seen so far that an 11th manufacturer will be on the grid when the next ruleset is introduced to the sport.
General Motors are one of the biggest automotive companies in the world and their presence in F1 will only increase the growing interest in the sport in the United States.
Much of the work done by Andretti leading up to this point will be utilised but with this announcement, further investment can be made into the project knowing that it’s one step closer to getting the final green light.
Mario Andretti is set to play a key role as an advisor to the team in the paddock when their debut rolls around in 2026.
Andretti confirmed to Martin Brundle that he was adamant his team would be in F1 sooner rather than later earlier in the season and he appeared to know a lot more than anyone else did at the time.
The 1978 Formula 1 world champion has helped build a motorsport dynasty and having a team in F1 under the Cadillac name will top that off.
However, Cadillac quickly need to think about which drivers they want racing for them in 2026.
Andretti has confirmed to NBC News that Colton Herta is one option that’s being seriously considered already.
Mario Andretti ‘definitely’ considering Colton Herta for Cadillac F1 team
Andretti was asked whether he would be prioritising American drivers for Cadillac’s initial line-up.
In particular, Herta’s name was brought up and Andretti said: “Right now, I think yes. You mentioning candidates — he’s definitely one that’s considered.
“I think you have to keep those options open, since it’s going to be a whole next season where we’re not going to be players.”
Andretti is already a big fan of the 24-year-old and in an interview with RACER in 2022, he said of Herta: “The kid is for real. “I know what I’m talking about, I know when I see something.
“I said the same thing about Max when I first saw him. I said the same thing about Sebastian Vettel when he won Monza with Toro Rosso and things like that — I’ve been around long enough to see these things and I haven’t been wrong yet!”
Who is IndyCar star Colton Herta after previous F1 interactions
Fans who don’t follow IndyCar may have only heard of Herta in passing, primarily because his name has come up in F1 circles before.
Herta was linked with AlphaTauri in 2022, via F1, however, he wasn’t eligible to drive in Formula 1 because he didn’t have enough superlicence points.
Superlicence points might be a problem again for Herta as he still doesn’t qualify but applications can be made for exemptions if it reaches that point.
READ MORE: Damon Hill sends two-word message to Mario Andretti as Cadillac F1 bid approved
The 24-year-old is one race shy of 100 IndyCar appearances but already has nine victories, 18 podiums and 14 pole positions to his name.
He finished second in the championship to Alex Palou this year but his career has seen him race several drivers who currently compete in F1.
Herta spent time in Europe earlier in his career, finishing runner-up in Spanish Formula 3 and third in the Euroformula Open Championship, ahead of one-time Williams driver Jack Aitken.
Andretti once again Herta was faster than Kimi Raikkonen – via GPFans – in testing and his career has seen him remain on the periphery of Formula 1 in the past.
Cadillac’s move into F1 in 2026 could finally see Herta make the leap that many have been expecting to make for some time.
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