Mario Andretti suggests that General Motors and Cadillac may be interested in Colton Herta
As Max Verstappen secures his fourth consecutive world title, we received news that will change the look of the sport moving forward. Following the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Formula One announced that General Motors/Cadillac will become the 11th team at the pinnacle of motorsport. The all-American outfit is due to join the grid in 2026, potentially with the help of Ferrari.
While having a fresh team in the sport is exciting in itself, this also presents a new opportunity for two more drivers to join the 20 established positions. But who could we see join the new team? One person in the know is Mario Andretti, who will remain with the team in a “non-executive role.”
I feel very lucky that I've been able to stick around for this long and do what I love for so long. And the idea that the Cadillac F1 Team wants me around….I'll help where I can, a non-executive role with the team, not involved in day-to-day operations (because I don't want a…
— Mario Andretti (@MarioAndretti) November 25, 2024
Speaking with GPblog, Andretti was asked whether IndyCar star Colton Herta could join the incoming team. He responded:
“Yes, at the moment, I see that if it were for sure next year. But there’s another year to go on. So you have to keep an open mind.”
He continued, “But I am, yes, I’m a supporter of Colton because of his experience. I mean, he’s raced at a young age alongside Lando Norris, individuals like that who are obviously a prominent in Formula One now. And his experience is vast. He spent three years in Europe, he has a good feel for the circuits and so forth. He did a phenomenal test at Portimao in Portugal. ItВ?was last year for McLaren. And it’s really interesting what he’s capable of in a Formula One car.”
When Andretti Global was hoping to enter the sport, Herta’s name was often in the conversation. Already driving for Andretti in IndyCar, the American may be an obvious pick for the new team. At the time, Herta said he wouldn’t turn down the opportunity if the team tried to sign him.
Who could join Herta at GM/Cadillac?
Andretti’s interest in Herta is well documented, but what about the team’s second seat? The 1978 F1 world champion didn’t name a second driver, however, he did disclose a simple criterion they will need to fulfil. Andretti said:
“Preferably he would be alongside a very experienced, another teammate, if you will. That’s the objective here.”
There are plenty of drivers both forming the grid and on the sidelines, with an extensive amount of experience for the new team to choose from. But it is still too early to tell who will actually join the GM/Cadillac project.
Feature Image Credit: CadillacВ?