F1 News: Cadillac F1 move would be 'difficult decision'

(GMM) Colton Herta says it would be a “difficult decision” to switch from IndyCar to Formula 1 with the Cadillac F1 team.

Through his long-standing existing relationships with Andretti and Cadillac, the 24-year-old American has often been mentioned as a lead candidate to represent the new F1 entry from 2026.

Just days ago, Cadillac F1 advisor and Formula 1 legend Mario Andretti told the German news agency DPA that “the goal from the beginning was to have at least one American driver”.

He admitted that Herta is “very likely” the top candidate.

Speaking during the IndyCar media day this week, Herta said: “If it happens, then that’s great, but I would have to make a difficult decision.

“It feels like we’ve been talking about it for half a decade and I’m getting tired of it,” he added. “I just want to drive and concentrate on IndyCar and winning the championship this year. If something comes out of that, then I’d have to think about it.

“All my friends and family are here in America so it would be a big decision.”

Another issue for Herta is securing enough points under F1’s super license system to be approved by the FIA. “I think the answer to that is that I didn’t even know how the system works,” he smiled.

“If it happens, that’s great. And if it doesn’t, then poor me. Then I’ll be stuck racing in IndyCar,” he smiled. “I’ll be fine either way.”

Mario Andretti, meanwhile, revealed that the current plan would be to pair Cadillac F1’s young American driver with a more established name.

“Many drivers are being considered. We are keeping all options open,” the 84-year-old told DPA.

“It definitely makes sense to put an experienced driver alongside that American driver.” As for who it will be, Andretti continued: “Suddenly, someone could become available that we would have never thought of.”

Q. We went through a similar storyline with you a couple years ago. You come into the season potentially with an opportunity to step up to Formula 1 with Cadillac and Andretti Global if things go right. I think the position you would need to finish in to get that super license would be fourth place in the championship. Is there any pressure to that, or how much are you thinking about, talking about that behind the scenes?

COLTON HERTA: I guess the answer to that is I didn’t even know what the math was to get into — to get a super license. If it happens, it happens, great, and then I’ll have a decision to make, if I’m still wanted. If it doesn’t happen, then poor me, I’m stuck racing INDYCARs. I’ll be all right either way.

Q. Colton, briefly pivoting back to the talk of Cadillac and F1, you’ve previously mentioned age as a factor when it comes to that entry point. Is that still a concern for you or do you feel in a position to make that step if the opportunity arose?

COLTON HERTA: Yeah, I don’t really have a concern with it at all. I’ve kind of been dragged around in this talk for, it feels like, half a decade now. I’ve had the carrot in front of me for a while.

I’m kind of tired of that being the case, and I just want to drive at this point and focus on INDYCAR this year and focus on winning a championship, and if something arises out of that, I’d have to think about it. It’s still not a for sure thing. All my friends and family are here in the U.S., and I don’t know anybody where I’m going, so it’s a big decision to make if I have to make that decision.