Jul.24 (GMM) Colton Herta will return to Cadillac’s Formula 1 car in Hungary, but his intended path towards a full-time seat in 2027 is becoming increasingly uncertain.
The American, 26, will replace Valtteri Bottas in FP1 at the Hungaroring, six weeks after taking over Sergio Perez’s car in Barcelona.
“It is very exciting to get another chance in FP1,” Herta said.
“It is a good opportunity to gain experience, but the ultimate goal is of course to help the team with development. I was last in the car six weeks ago, and a lot of progress has been made since then.”
“My job is to help the drivers have the strongest possible Hungarian GP, but also to provide feedback that helps the team with its long-term development goals. And personally, I am trying to lay a better foundation for future sessions.”
Herta joined Cadillac after a successful IndyCar career and was widely regarded as being prepared for a future Formula 1 race seat.
However, he still lacks the 40 superlicence points required to race in Formula 1.
Herta currently has 34 points and needs to finish at least eighth in the Formula 2 championship to secure the remaining six. After eight weekends, however, he sits only 16th, placing the intended 2027 promotion under serious pressure.
That could strengthen Bottas’ position after the Finn recently dismissed rumours that Herta was being prepared to replace him as “complete bullsh*t”.
Bottas’ immediate concern is not his own Cadillac future, but Aston Martin’s enormous upgrade package debuting in Hungary.
“There are a lot of rumours,” he said.
“A rumour I’ve heard is that the only part that remains on the car is the front suspension. Everything else is new.”
“Let’s wait and see. I’m quite curious.”
Bottas admitted he is worried the Adrian Newey-led overhaul could abruptly leave Cadillac dead last.
“At the same time, I’m a little afraid,” he admitted. “Because if they make a big move, we’ll be at the back.”
