Colton Herta is reported to have met the last superlicence requirement in São Paulo FP1, which revives the question of whether Cadillac will put him in Valtteri Bottas's seat for 2027. Cadillac has not announced its 2027 line-up, and outlets differ on when Herta's licence is actually confirmed.
Credibility: Medium — First reported by: RacingNews365 and Crash.net on the superlicence; Crash.net on Cadillac weighing Herta for Bottas's seat. Picked up by: The Race. Response: Cadillac declined to discuss driver contracts, saying announcements will come "by official releases from the team when the time is right". Reports conflict on whether the FIA has already confirmed the licence or will do so "in due course".
Superlicence: one point short, then 100km in FP1
Herta was one point below the 40 needed for an FIA superlicence. Crash.net reported that an IndyCar website error listed him sixth in the 2025 standings when he was actually seventh, and that the FIA confirmed he had 39 points. RacingNews365 had written on 30 October that Mexico FP1 gave him the 40th point, which later Crash.net reports contradict.
Under the rules, a free-practice-only superlicence holder earns one extra point for completing at least 100km in a practice session with no penalty points. The Race reported on 24 October that his Monza FP1 run fell short of 100km because of a technical issue.
In a 7 November article, The Race wrote that Herta "has cleared the final hurdles" in São Paulo FP1. It says the FIA is satisfied with his running, so the point will be earned and his eligibility confirmed "in due course". RacingNews365 reported he completed 24 laps and 100km.
Cadillac's 2027 line-up is open
On 24 October The Race wrote that Cadillac's 2027 driver line-up "isn't yet finalised". Crash.net reported that Cadillac is considering promoting Herta in place of Bottas. The Race added that Cadillac is in no rush because none of the candidates has a race seat elsewhere.
The Race says Bottas has a long-term deal, so a swap would need some kind of arrangement. Sergio Pérez has re-signed through 2029 and is not thought to be at risk.
Cadillac team principal Marcin Budkowski said in Austin in October: "This is the last place I would comment on driver contracts." In the team's release on Herta's São Paulo run he said Herta's growth in the car has been impressive and his feedback is invaluable to the 2027 development programme. The Race reports Herta skipped end-of-day media on Friday because he was feeling unwell.
Sources
- The Race, Herta finally clears his last F1 superlicence hurdle
- The Race, Herta could replace Bottas at Cadillac in F1 2027
- Crash.net, Colton Herta handed another Cadillac F1 chance after superlicence confusion
- RacingNews365, Colton Herta finally qualifies for crucial F1 document as seat rumours grow
- RacingNews365, Now it's official! Colton Herta finally has his FIA superlicence
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