Colton Herta is considered the top favorite to secure one of the seats in the upcoming Cadillac Formula Racing team, which is set to launch in 2026 with Ferrari engines. As the current runner-up in the 2024 Indycar championship and the number one driver for the Andretti Honda team in the American championship, Herta has a strong background in racing. With 32 points in the FIA Superlicence, he is close to meeting the 40-point requirement to pilot in F1, and it is expected that he will acquire the remaining points throughout the year.
From the outset, Mario Andretti, a key figure in the Cadillac F1 project, has mentioned Herta as a likely candidate for the new team. The American driver has been considered one of the main pilots for the project, despite lacking experience in F1, although he did test drive for McLaren in Portimao in 2022. Another driver who has been mentioned in connection with the project is Marcus Ericsson, a Swedish pilot who won the 2019 500-mile race and has F1 experience from 2014 to 2018 with Caterham, Sauber, and Alfa Romeo.
Ericsson has revealed that he has been approached by Andretti to contribute to the F1 project, specifically to test different simulators in England and provide his opinion on the best model for the organization. With his F1 experience and available Superlicence, Ericsson is considered the second candidate for the pilot seat, after Herta. His involvement in the project would bring valuable expertise to the team.
Czech, favorite for the other seat
Meanwhile, Checo Pérez is also a strong contender for a seat in the new team. This year, he is exploring options such as participating in the 24 hours of Le Mans, potentially in the GT category, as a first step towards a future championship. However, his primary goal is to return to F1, and Cadillac is a viable option, especially with the support of Carlos Slim and other sponsorships he had during his time at Red Bull Racing. Pérez’s experience and reputation would be a significant asset to the Andretti team, both on and off the track, as he is one of the few drivers who can attract large crowds to multiple circuits, including Mexico, Austin, Miami, and Las Vegas.