Multiple IndyCar winner and Cadillac test driver, Colton Herta, is set to transition to Formula 2 next year, with an eye on a potential Formula 1 seat with the American team in 2027. However, Cadillac team boss Graeme Lowdon emphasizes that a seat on the team is not guaranteed, even with a successful season from Herta. Talent development is crucial for the upcoming Cadillac F1 team.
Team boss Graeme Lowdon views Colton Herta as a promising talent who could potentially contribute to the future line-up of the new Cadillac F1 team. Herta will begin his season in Formula 2 in March 2026. His participation in the feeder series is an important opportunity for the American to prove himself for a possible spot on the F1 team in 2027. However, Lowdon stresses that tracking talent is a key part of their strategy, but a seat for Herta is far from guaranteed.
“This is the ideal scenario for Herta to be considered. And it’s not a threat to Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas – on top of all the other threats in Formula 1,” Lowdon told RACER. “You want to see talent flow from Formula 2, and it’s much better if it all happens within our own family of drivers. Then it’s a much more pleasant problem to have.”
No Automatic Promise
Lowdon made it clear that there is no guaranteed spot for Herta at Cadillac: “To be clear: there is no automatic arrangement. It’s not about Herta earning the license points and therefore being allowed to drive for the team directly. As we have said before, we select drivers based on performance, and that will always remain the case.” In addition, the team boss is looking forward to Herta’s performance in Formula 2: “I’m really looking forward to seeing Colton race. It’s a huge opportunity to get to know the tires and circuits. He clearly knows how to race, so I’m curious to see how he does.”
