Colton Herta is set to take part in the first practice session (FP1) at the Brazil Grand Prix, driving for the Cadillac Formula 1® Team. This outing will allow him to secure the final FIA superlicence point he needs to be eligible for a full-time race seat in the championship.
Herta, who serves as Cadillac’s test driver, requires a total of 40 superlicence points to compete in Formula 1®. Following the Mexico Grand Prix, it was discovered that he was one point short due to a misunderstanding of his IndyCar results. To address this, Cadillac has arranged for Herta to drive in FP1 at Interlagos, marking his sixth session in the category this season—two more than the minimum four FP1 sessions required for rookies.
During the session, Herta will be behind the wheel of Sergio Perez’s car, aiming to complete at least 24 laps to cover the minimum 100 kilometres necessary for the superlicence point. This opportunity not only helps Herta meet the licensing requirements but also continues his integration with the team and its engineers ahead of potential future roles.
Cadillac is currently evaluating its driver lineup for the 2027 season. While Valtteri Bottas remains alongside Sergio Perez, the team is considering whether to promote Herta to a race seat. Bottas experienced a suspension failure and subsequent crash in Mexico, prompting the team to implement measures to prevent similar incidents. Meanwhile, Herta has expressed enthusiasm about driving at Interlagos and contributing to the development of Cadillac’s Formula 1® car.
Team principal Marcin Budkowski has acknowledged Herta’s progress and highlighted the value of his feedback in shaping the 2027 car. This FP1 appearance represents a crucial step for Herta as he works to solidify his position within the team and the sport.
Herta’s participation in Brazil underscores the complexities involved in securing a superlicence, especially for drivers transitioning from other series like IndyCar. The additional FP1 sessions reflect Cadillac’s commitment to preparing Herta thoroughly for a potential full-time role, while also ensuring compliance with FIA regulations.
As the Brazil Grand Prix weekend unfolds, Herta’s FP1 session will be closely watched as a key milestone in his Formula 1® journey and the team’s driver strategy. The session will also provide further insight into Cadillac’s preparations for the seasons ahead.