Colton Herta inches toward an F1 race seat with Cadillac’s FP1 program

Colton Herta, the 26‑year‑old IndyCar race winner, will complete four FP1 sessions for Cadillac, starting at the Barcelona Grand Prix, in a bid to close the gap to the 40‑point Super Licence required for an F1 race seat. The rookie already has 35 points, and the Cadillac program will add four more if he completes the mandatory 100 km in each session. The arrangement also satisfies Cadillac’s requirement to run a rookie driver in two practice sessions per car each season.

Why it matters:

Herta’s move could add a fresh American face to the F1 grid while the extra Super Licence points turn a long‑shot into a realistic prospect. For Cadillac, fielding a high‑profile rookie satisfies FIA requirements and strengthens its development program.

The details:

• Four FP1 outings are planned – Barcelona (opening round) and three European events TBD – each must cover at least 100 km to earn a Super Licence point, netting Herta four points if completed.
• Herta currently sits seventh in the 2026 F2 championship after the Australian round, holding 35 points and projected to finish above the 40‑point threshold.
• As Cadillac’s official test driver, he will work alongside Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas, providing feedback on car development during race weekends.

What's next:

Herta will debut the FP1 at Barcelona, then likely appear at three marquee European rounds such as Silverstone, Monza or Spa. Completing the program and maintaining his F2 form should push him past the 40‑point barrier, putting him in contention for a 2027 F1 seat.