Colton Herta’s situation regarding his Formula 1 super license has generated significant confusion in the paddock. Currently, the American has accumulated 39 points, one point below the required threshold to apply for this essential document to compete in the premier motorsport category.
Herta completed over 100 kilometers during the first practice session of the Mexican Grand Prix, feeling as if he had reached 40 points. However, the reality turns out to be more complicated. According to the FIA, the American has not yet reached the required threshold.
Confusion Regarding the 2025 IndyCar Season
To understand the situation, it is important to know that there are two ways to accumulate the necessary 40 points. The FIA can consider points accumulated over the last three years or the previous two years along with points from the current year. In Herta’s case, it seems the first option applies, which includes his record from the last three years plus the F1 practice sessions he has conducted.
Herta has brought with him 35 points from IndyCar and has obtained four additional points through his appearances in F1 practice sessions. However, there has been confusion about the IndyCar points, particularly concerning the standings for the 2025 season, where Herta had initially been ranked in sixth position, which changed to seventh, resulting in a loss of one point.
What are the Consequences for Cadillac?
This confusion means that Herta needs to participate in one more practice session to meet the requirements. The Cadillac team could use the upcoming race at the São Paulo Grand Prix or the next round in Las Vegas. With the plan to provide more practice opportunities, Herta seems to be on a good path to achieve the super license.
Another relevant aspect is the validity of the super license once obtained. Although this license is valid for one year, its application offers a safeguard of three years. This means that once Herta obtains the super license, he can apply for another without the need to accumulate the 40 points again, as long as he meets the required practice obligations.
Formally, the Cadillac team has to confirm his driving for the 2027 season, and while they have renewed Sergio Pérez’s contract until 2029, the team has been conveying an ambivalent message that leaves the door open to possible changes in the near future.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
SourceID: SRC_b442922acd657ecec8961edabd2756a15ae31133