Colton Herta Set to Secure F1 Superlicence in Mexico City

Colton Herta is on the verge of finally securing his Formula 1 superlicence. Cadillac has slated the American driver for a Friday practice session at the Mexico City Grand Prix, putting him within striking distance of the mandatory 40-point threshold required to race in the pinnacle of motorsport.

Why it matters:

This represents the culmination of a long and often frustrating journey for Herta. After the FIA denied him a waiver to enter F1 in 2022, the Californian has been forced to take the traditional route, accumulating points through IndyCar success and strategic practice outings. Securing the licence now removes the final bureaucratic barrier, making him a viable candidate for a full-time race seat.

The Details:

• The Math: Herta currently sits at 39 points. He needs just one more to reach the 40-point mark.
• The Mission: To earn the final point, Herta must complete 100km of running (approximately 24 laps) during FP1 at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez.
• The Machinery: He will take over the MAC-26 from Valtteri Bottas, who is stepping down for his second mandatory session of the season.
• Point History: The bulk of his tally comes from finishing as the 2024 IndyCar runner-up (30 points). He has since added points via FP1 sessions in Barcelona, Hungary, and the United States, though a technical failure in Italy previously stalled his progress.

The Big Picture:

Herta's pursuit of the licence coincides with growing speculation regarding Cadillac's 2027 driver lineup. While Valtteri Bottas remains a key asset, team boss Marcin Budkowski has not ruled out a potential change in personnel. By ensuring Herta is fully licensed, Cadillac positions itself to potentially promote the American to a permanent seat if Bottas is not retained.

What's next:

All eyes will be on the lap counter during Friday's opening session in Mexico City. Once the 100km mark is hit, Herta will officially be eligible for a race seat, shifting the conversation from "if" he can race in F1 to "when" he will actually join the grid.