Andretti reveals Cadillac’s driver criteria for F1 debut

Mario Andretti has detailed Cadillac’s 2026 driver criteria, saying the new team is prioritising an “experienced driver” of any nationality, along with a “young American talent” for its F1 debut.

The arrival of the 11th team on the grid in 2026 creates opportunities for two new or returning drivers to join the expanded 22-strong drivers’ championship, intensifying the fight for a coveted Cadillac seat, especially among those losing their spots this season.

But while many expect two seats to be on the table for all, Mario Andretti, 1978 F1 World Champion and Cadillac F1 Team Board Member says there is one key requirement to secure a drive with the General Motors-backed team.

“Formula 1 is really the Olympics of motorsports, because of the international nature of it and so there’s a lot of national pride that goes with it,” Andretti said, speaking with NBC News.

“And we have three races like no other country on the planet has. 

“And to have your own team playing, just like when you have our own performers in the Olympics — the National Anthem will play when you’re the top step of the podium. So that’s what you’re looking for. 

“Let’s face it, that’s what you’re in the business for — that creates that type of excitement. 

“The fans will expect a lot from us, and we understand that. We expect a lot from ourselves.”

Currently operating out of multiple locations in the United States including Fishers, Indiana; Charlotte, North Carolina; Warren, Michigan; as well as in Silverstone, England, the Cadillac F1 Team is an American force looking to make waves in the pinnacle of motorsport, and the team wishes to do so with an American driver behind the wheel.

According to Andretti, Colton Herta is being considered for the job.

The 24-year-old raced at Andretti Global in the 2024 NTT IndyCar Series, rounding out the year in second place after securing three pole positions, two race wins and 10 top-five finishes in 2024. 

The American has also picked up impressive accolades including being the youngest driver to win an Indycar Series race and secure pole position after graduating from Indy NXT.

Proving himself on American soil, Herta had his fair share of interest from F1 teams stemming from an introduction with Sauber in 2021 — a time when Andretti Autosport was seeking to purchase the team — where he headed to Alfa Romeo’s base in Hinwil, Switzerland to test on the simulator.

According to multiple sources including Mario Andretti, Herta was faster than Kimi Räikkönen and Antonio Giovinazzi, however, as Andretti Autosport’s negotiations fell through, Sauber opted to sign Zhou Guanyu for the 2022 season.

Herta signed with McLaren as a Development Driver in 2022, testing the MCL35M around the Algarve International Circuit in July, a two-day test that “seriously impressed” watchful eyes, even gaining the attention of Red Bull who were interested in signing Herta to AlphaTauri for 2023, however, without enough points to earn a Super license, F1 became a distant dream.

When asked if Herta was a serious contender on Cadillac’s F1 radar, Andretti said: “Right now, I think yes.”

“You mentioning candidates — he’s definitely one that’s considered.

“I think you have to keep those options open since it’s going to be a whole next season where we’re not going to be players.”

After the very experienced Valtteri Bottas revealed that he is disliked by some people at Red Bull, the Fin went on to say he “might” be inclined to pitch for the Cadillac seat in 2026 after losing his own at the end of this season — if not for a potential saving grace from Mercedes as a Reserve Driver — and he’s not alone.

After attending the Las Vegas Grand Prix last weekend, Andretti said: “There are more drivers available than teams at the moment.

“Ten teams seems a lot, but there’s a lot more drivers, lot more talent out there. 

“From our standpoint, I think the play at the beginning would be to have one experienced driver — nationality doesn’t matter — and then a young American talent. 

“These are the objectives at the moment.”

Andretti also confirmed that the development of the original power unit is scheduled for completion in 2028, with Ferrari the front-running supplier in the meantime. 

“[The Ferrari engine is] what we’re talking about,” the Cadillac Board Member said. 

“That’s not definite yet, but that’s the objective. And that’s the preference.” 

The 1978 World Champion added: “Even my history with Ferrari, and my relationship with Mr. Ferrari — all of it plays, plays tremendously. 

“There’s so many factors here that make a lot of sense. It will be best of all worlds.”

Image: Josh Tons / LAT Images

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