Key Highlights:
- Colton Herta will take part in his sixth FP1 session of the season at the Brazil Grand Prix, driving Sergio Perez’s Cadillac MAC-26.
- The appearance is aimed at securing Herta’s final required point to reach the 40-point threshold for an FIA superlicence following an administrative miscalculation in Mexico.
- Completing 24 laps (100km) at Interlagos will fulfill the criteria, keeping Herta in contention for a potential Cadillac Formula 1 race seat in 2027.
Cadillac test driver Colton Herta is scheduled to take part in his sixth Friday practice session of the Formula 1 season at the upcoming Brazil Grand Prix. The outing is specifically designed to secure the single missing FIA superlicence point that the American driver requires to become eligible to race in Formula 1.
Herta has been preparing for a potential transition to Formula 1 through private testing, FP1 outings, and a campaign in Formula 2. Drivers require 40 points to qualify for an FIA superlicence. While Cadillac initially calculated that the former IndyCar race winner had achieved the necessary tally during the Mexico City Grand Prix weekend, it became clear post-event that confusion surrounding his past IndyCar results left the Californian exactly one point short of the target.
Cadillac Expands Practice Program to Secure Superlicence
Formula 1 regulations mandate that teams assign a rookie driver to at least four Friday practice sessions per season. However, Cadillac is moving beyond that requirement by providing Herta with his sixth run of the year at Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace in Sao Paulo. He will step into the MAC-26 typically driven by Sergio Perez for the opening practice session.
The team is motivated to finalize Herta’s licensing eligibility as it evaluates its future driver lineup. Securing the superlicence allows Cadillac the flexibility to consider bringing Herta into a race seat for his Formula 1 debut in 2027, or alternatively retaining current driver Valtteri Bottas for a second campaign alongside Perez.
“I’m really looking forward to getting back behind the wheel of the MAC-26 for another FP1 session,” Herta said. “Interlagos is such an iconic, historic track, and driving an F1 car around there is going to be an awesome experience.
“Every time I’ve stepped into the car this year, from Barcelona to Budapest, COTA and Mexico City, I’ve felt more comfortable and better integrated with the engineering team. My goal for Friday morning in Brazil is the same: execute the run plan cleanly, give Checo and the engineers the best possible setup data to start their weekend, and keep building on my progress in the car. I’m grateful to the team for giving me this opportunity.”
Overcoming Setbacks After Mechanical Troubles in Monza and Mexico
Herta’s path to accumulating the necessary license points previously encountered a roadblock at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza. A mechanical breakdown during that session prevented the 26-year-old from completing the mandatory 100-kilometer distance required for an FP1 session to grant a superlicence point. At the Interlagos circuit, running 24 laps will be sufficient to surpass that distance requirement and lock in the final point.
Cadillac arrives in Brazil seeking a smoother weekend following significant car troubles in Mexico, where Bottas crashed at high speed due to an unexpected failure in the front-left suspension. Team principal Marcin Budkowski addressed the findings ahead of the Brazilian round.
“Following our post-race investigations, Valtteri suffered a suspension failure, and we have implemented mitigations going forward,” Budkowski said. “I’m also pleased to see Colton return to the MAC-26 for another FP1 outing, stepping in for Checo. His growth in the car across his sessions has been impressive, and his feedback remains invaluable to our 2027 development program.”
Why This Matters
The pursuit of an FIA superlicence has historically been a significant hurdle for drivers moving between North American open-wheel racing and Formula 1. For Cadillac, resolving Colton Herta’s eligibility directly impacts the outfit’s long-term commercial and competitive planning. With an American driver qualified to race, the team retains the choice to field a high-profile home talent for its 2027 campaign while simultaneously weighing the continuity of veteran presence alongside Sergio Perez.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Colton Herta need to run in FP1 in Brazil?
Herta currently sits on 39 of the 40 points required for an FIA superlicence after an accounting error involving his past IndyCar points. Participating in an FP1 session awards one additional point, provided the driver completes at least 100 kilometers.
How many laps must Colton Herta complete at Interlagos?
To reach the 100-kilometer minimum distance required by the FIA to earn the superlicence point, Herta needs to complete at least 24 laps of the Brazilian circuit during the Friday morning practice.
Whose car is Colton Herta driving at the Brazil Grand Prix?
Herta will take over the Cadillac MAC-26 normally driven by Sergio Perez for the first practice session (FP1) before Perez returns to the car for the remainder of the race weekend.
