Colton Herta: F1 Chance is 'Now or Never' Amid Super Licence Confusion

Colton Herta has described his F1 opportunity as "now or never" as he remains one super licence point short of eligibility following a points miscalculation. The American is poised for another practice outing with Cadillac in Brazil to finally secure the required 40 points, with a race seat potentially available if Valtteri Bottas is dropped.

Why it matters:

Herta's situation highlights the complicated super licence system and the fine margins that can decide a driver's F1 future. For Cadillac, securing a capable American driver could be key to building its identity in F1.

The details:

• Herta was thought to have reached 40 points after FP1 in Mexico, but an error on the IndyCar website meant he was incorrectly listed sixth in the 2025 standings, earning two extra points. He actually finished seventh, leaving him on 39.
• He admitted he hadn't paid much attention to the confusion: "I was literally walking to go do the media stuff, and that was the first time I had heard about it."
• On his F1 chances: "I don't think I can go back to IndyCar and then have another chance in Formula 1." He expects decisions within the next month.
• Herta believes Cadillac's investment in him shows faith: "They've put a lot of resources behind me to get me ready to be in the Formula 1 seat." He added he is "1,000% ready" to step up.

What's next:

Herta is expected to get another FP1 run in Brazil to earn the final point. If he secures the super licence, he will likely be in contention for Cadillac's second seat alongside Bottas or another driver. The team's decision is expected within weeks.