Colton Herta Nears F1 Superlicence Milestone with Cadillac

Colton Herta is on the verge of securing his elusive F1 superlicence, sitting just one to two points shy of the 40-point requirement. Following his recent FP1 appearance at the United States Grand Prix, the American driver is now coordinating with Cadillac to finalize the tally before the 2026 season concludes.

Why it matters:

For years, Herta has been one of the most qualified drivers operating outside the F1 ecosystem. Securing the superlicence is more than a formality; it is the final regulatory hurdle allowing Cadillac to fully integrate him into their driver lineup without the bureaucratic friction that has hindered his transition in the past.

By the numbers:

• 35 Points: Accumulated from IndyCar standings (1 point from 2023, 30 points from 2024, and 4 points from 2025).
• 3 Points: Earned via FP1 outings in Barcelona, Austria, and Austin, where he successfully exceeded the 100km running threshold.
• The Gap: Depending on the source—RacingNews365 calculates 38 points while Cadillac suggests 39—Herta needs only 1-2 more points to hit the magic 40.
• The Monza Miss: A brief 5-lap outing in Italy failed to meet the 100km requirement, denying him a crucial point from that weekend.

The big picture:

Herta's journey reflects the complex intersection of IndyCar success and FIA regulations. While his raw pace is undisputed, the "points chase" has evolved into a strategic game of FP1 substitutions. Cadillac's explicit commitment to providing these sessions indicates a clear intent to ensure Herta is ready for a primary seat as the team continues to develop its F1 presence.

What's next:

With at least two more FP1 opportunities potentially available—including one mandatory session—Herta is expected to hit the 40-point mark before the year ends. Cadillac has already signaled that it would be "remiss" not to give him the opportunity, ensuring Herta is legally eligible to race in the upcoming competitive cycle.