Cadillac’s Ambitious F1 Strategy: Creating an American Star

Next season, Formula 1 will witness a new chapter as Cadillac, the iconic American automotive brand, joins the grid as the 11th team. With a highly anticipated debut, the team has garnered significant attention, especially due to its driver lineup, consisting of Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas. These two seasoned professionals bring years of experience and skill to Cadillac, setting the stage for an exciting season. However, Cadillac’s ambitions go far beyond their first year in the sport. The American brand has made it clear that their ultimate goal is not only to be a competitive force but to become “America’s Team” in F1. And to do that, they want an American driver to represent them on the track.

The Dilemma of an American F1 Driver

Cadillac’s pursuit of an American driver is a natural progression, given the team’s desire to lean into their American heritage. However, the challenge lies in the fact that there isn’t an American driver currently in F1 who could outperform the likes of Perez and Bottas. Cadillac’s team principal, Graeme Loen, has emphasized that any driver hired will be based on merit, regardless of nationality. Unfortunately, at present, no American driver has the experience or skill to rival the pedigree of their current drivers.

This realization has led to an innovative solution: Cadillac is set to create their own American F1 driver. Colton Herta, a talented IndyCar driver, has been identified as the key figure in this ambitious plan. Herta, 25, will serve as Cadillac’s test driver in 2026, with a pathway into F1 if he can prove himself worthy. The road to this goal, however, won’t be easy. Herta will leave IndyCar behind and enter F2 in 2026, aiming to accumulate the necessary super license points and experience to earn a spot in an F1 race seat.

Why Colton Herta?

At first glance, Herta’s move from IndyCar to F2 might seem like a bold and risky decision. However, his transition reflects the bigger picture of Cadillac’s long-term strategy in Formula 1. Herta has already demonstrated immense talent in IndyCar, where he has won multiple races and finished near the top of the standings. Despite this success, his lack of sufficient super license points has kept him from securing a spot in F1.

Herta’s previous experience in European single-seaters, particularly his time in the 2016 European Formula 3 series, shows that he’s no stranger to the world of international racing. This experience has helped him build a solid foundation, and he’s already shown his potential by outperforming seasoned F1 drivers during a test with Sauber (now Alfa Romeo). His ability to go faster than established F1 stars like Kimi Räikkönen during testing proved his raw talent and potential to compete at the highest level.

By moving to F2, Herta will have the opportunity to demonstrate that he can compete with the best young drivers in Europe. His financial backing from Cadillac will also play a crucial role in ensuring that he has the resources to gain the best equipment and test opportunities, which is vital in F2, where money often makes the difference.

The Road to F1: Herta’s Pathway

Herta’s decision to leave the comforts of IndyCar for the uncertain world of F2 might appear counterintuitive, but it is a necessary step for his Formula 1 aspirations. Cadillac’s investment in Herta signifies the company’s commitment to creating an American driver who can eventually race for them in F1. While Herta’s success in IndyCar is undeniable, the realities of Formula 1 require a different skill set, especially in terms of tire management, racing strategy, and technical understanding.

F2 will provide Herta with the opportunity to learn these nuances. The championship is renowned for its tough competition, and if Herta can make his mark, he will likely secure a spot in F1 by 2027. To earn the required super license points, he must finish at least eighth in F2, a feat that should be within his capabilities given his previous form in IndyCar and his pedigree as a talented driver. If Herta falls short of this target, however, it will be a clear signal that F1 may not be the right next step for him.

In addition to competing in F2, Herta can earn super license points by participating in F1 free practice sessions. By completing the required 100 kilometers of running in a free practice session, he can accumulate one point per weekend. This will provide Herta with multiple opportunities to gain more points, thereby securing his eligibility to race in F1 by 2027.

What This Means for Perez and Bottas

As Cadillac plans its future with Herta, the pressure is on Perez and Bottas, who are both on multi-year contracts with the team. Perez’s contract, reportedly lasting two years, could be a crucial factor in his future with Cadillac, as Herta looks to replace one of the current drivers. Although Bottas and Perez are both highly experienced and established drivers, their positions are not guaranteed for the long term.

Perez, who has been a key driver for Red Bull, struggled in recent seasons to meet the team’s high expectations and was ultimately replaced by Daniel Ricciardo. Bottas, on the other hand, has had an impressive career, including a successful stint at Mercedes. However, at 36 years old, his future in F1 is limited. While both drivers bring invaluable experience to Cadillac, neither is a long-term solution for the team’s ambitions. Herta’s potential arrival in 2027 will put both drivers under pressure to perform at their very best, knowing that their F1 futures are at stake.

The situation becomes even more complicated as Cadillac works on developing its F1 car and establishing itself as a force in the sport. Both Perez and Bottas will need to deliver strong results in order to secure their places for the long term, especially as Herta will be waiting in the wings, eager to take his spot in F1.

Cadillac’s Long-Term F1 Vision

Cadillac’s entry into Formula 1 marks a bold new chapter for the American automotive industry, but it’s also a testament to their long-term vision for the sport. The brand isn’t content with simply joining F1 for the sake of being there – they want to build a legacy and become the face of American motorsport in F1.

Creating an American F1 driver is a crucial part of this strategy. By backing Colton Herta’s journey to F1, Cadillac is not just focusing on the current season but is laying the groundwork for the future. While Perez and Bottas will play vital roles in the team’s early success, it is Herta who represents the future of the brand in the sport. His potential entry into F1 with Cadillac could make history by finally bringing an American driver to the grid, something that has been long overdue.

Conclusion

Cadillac’s strategy to develop Colton Herta into an F1 driver is a bold and exciting plan. With a competitive but aging driver lineup in Perez and Bottas, the team is preparing for the future by investing in Herta’s development. While this move may add pressure to the current drivers, it’s a necessary step for Cadillac to become a dominant force in F1. The creation of an American F1 driver is not just about national pride; it’s about ensuring that Cadillac remains a key player in the sport for years to come.

As the 2026 season approaches, all eyes will be on Herta as he makes the transition from IndyCar to F2. If he can deliver on the promise that Cadillac sees in him, he will undoubtedly be a part of the team’s future in F1. The next few years will be critical, but Cadillac’s plan to build an American star is one that could revolutionize Formula 1 and reshape the sport’s landscape for years to come.