Ralf Schumacher Slams Colton Herta’s F1 Chances: “He’s just burning fuel”

Colton Herta Secures FIA Super Licence Eligibility at Interlagos

Friday at the Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace appeared to mark a significant career milestone for Colton Herta. Stepping into Sergio Perez’s seat for the opening free practice session of the 2026 Sao Paulo Grand Prix, the Cadillac test driver completed 24 laps around the Interlagos circuit. By finishing the required running, Herta officially gained the final point needed to qualify for an FIA super licence, clearing the technical hurdle required to race in Formula 1 for the 2027 season.

Herta previously assembled his points total through a combination of his domestic open-wheel success in IndyCar—where he claimed nine race wins and finished as the championship runner-up in 2024—and subsequent mileage gathered during official Formula 1 practice outings with Cadillac. However, his on-track pace in Brazil drew direct scrutiny, as Herta finished approximately nine-tenths of a second adrift of teammate Valtteri Bottas in the head-to-head FP1 comparison.

Ralf Schumacher Lambastes American’s Form and Formula 1 Credentials

Despite Herta achieving regulatory eligibility for the grid, former Formula 1 race winner Ralf Schumacher delivered a scathing review of the 26-year-old’s candidacy for a full-time Cadillac race seat alongside Perez. Speaking in his role as a pundit for Sky Germany, Schumacher completely dismissed the possibility of Herta stepping up to the top flight.

Asked whether Herta could be a candidate for the second Cadillac seat alongside Perez, the Sky Germany pundit replied: “Only if Easter and Christmas fall on the same day. Seriously, it’s pointless. He’s just burning fuel, to borrow a phrase from Franz Tost. I don’t even know what the point of it is. You might as well put someone else in the car, give some young drivers a chance.”

Schumacher directed the bulk of his criticism at Herta’s ongoing struggle to adapt to European racing in the junior ranks. Schumacher was particularly critical of Herta’s Formula 2 campaign: “He was really that bad in Formula 2. As far as I’m concerned, he hasn’t earned it at all. I think it’s great that they’re trying to promote American drivers. But it has to make sense, and he has no place in Formula 1.”

Instead of turning to Herta, Schumacher argued that Cadillac should recruit from the proven pool of European junior champions. As an example, he points to McLaren junior Leonardo Fornaroli, who has won championships in both Formula 2 and Formula 3, describing him as “an incredibly strong driver”. Otherwise, however, finding the right partner for Perez would be “very, very difficult”.

A Troubled Transition: Struggles in the Formula 2 Championship

Herta had made the transition to Formula 2 specifically to prove his credentials against European competition and secure his remaining super licence requirements. However, the move has yielded underwhelming results on paper. Herta currently sits 19th in the Formula 2 standings with just 26 points, having secured zero race victories and zero podium finishes over the course of the season. The difficulty of the campaign was acknowledged even by Formula 2 CEO Bruno Michel, who admitted that Herta has struggled more than expected in the feeder category.

The Battle for Cadillac’s Second 2027 Formula 1 Seat

The debate surrounding Herta arrives at a critical juncture for Cadillac’s future driver lineup. One side of the team’s garage is already locked in, as Sergio Perez signed an extension at the end of October that ties him to the outfit through 2029. However, the status of Valtteri Bottas beyond his current tenure remains unresolved, leaving the second cockpit open to outside competition.

The vacancy has led to competing endorsements across the paddock. While Herta remains affiliated with the American team’s testing operations, other high-profile figures have advocated alternative talents. Mercedes driver George Russell, for instance, has actively put forward Mercedes junior Frederik Vesti as a prime contender for the remaining Cadillac seat.

Why This Matters

The push to place an American driver on the Formula 1 grid has been an ongoing priority for commercial stakeholders and US-based entrants like Cadillac. While Colton Herta’s attainment of a super licence officially opens the regulatory door for his promotion, his lack of competitive results in Formula 2 highlights the strict performance standards required by the F1 paddock. With prominent junior champions like Leonardo Fornaroli and proven talents like Frederik Vesti circulating the driver market, Cadillac faces significant scrutiny over whether to prioritize marketing appeal or outright feeder-series performance when filling the seat alongside Sergio Perez for 2027.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Colton Herta now qualify for an FIA super licence?

Yes. By completing 24 laps during Free Practice 1 at the 2026 Sao Paulo Grand Prix in Brazil, Herta earned the final mandatory point required to receive an FIA super licence, making him legally eligible to race in Formula 1 starting in 2027.

How has Colton Herta performed in Formula 2?

Herta has endured a difficult Formula 2 season, sitting 19th in the drivers’ championship with 26 points. He has yet to score a victory or reach the podium, leading F2 CEO Bruno Michel to note that the American has experienced greater challenges than anticipated.

Who else is in contention for the second Cadillac seat alongside Sergio Perez?

While Sergio Perez is under contract through 2029, Valtteri Bottas’s future remains unconfirmed. Alternative candidates mentioned in paddock discussions include Mercedes junior Frederik Vesti, supported by George Russell, as well as Formula 2 and Formula 3 champion Leonardo Fornaroli, whom Ralf Schumacher highlighted as a strong candidate.