The Cadillac boss says Herta is almost ready for an F1 Super Licence – but who will be America’s next big star in Grand Prix racing?
Cadillac Formula 1 team boss Marcin Budkowski says “having an American driver in an American team is a great story.” Their test driver from California, Colton Herta, is just one Super Licence point away from being able to race in F1 after taking part in Free Practice 1 at the United States Grand Prix.
F1 is super popular in America right now, with three races in Austin, Las Vegas, and Miami. But even though Americans love cars, the US hasn’t had many competitive F1 drivers lately. It’s been 50 years since Mario Andretti was the world champion, so let’s see who might be the next big American F1 star.
Colton Herta is one of America’s top racecar talents, but he’s had a tough time since moving to Europe. When he was just 18, he won in only his second IndyCar race and became a rising star, finishing second in the 2024 championship to Alex Palou. But IndyCar success gives fewer Super Licence points (which you need for F1), so Herta moved to F2 in 2026 while also working as a test driver for Cadillac.
This year has been tough for him—his best finish was fifth in Spain, and mostly he’s been near the back. But by taking part in Free Practice sessions with Cadillac, he’s earned more Super Licence points and is now close to racing in F1 next year.
“Having an American driver in an American team is a great story,” said Budkowski. “It has to be the right time and the right driver, and we’re working on that with Colton. There are also some exciting American talents coming up.”
Another American ready for F1 is the 21-year-old Aston Martin reserve driver from North Carolina. He won six F2 races over three seasons and finished second in last year’s championship. He’s been Aston’s reserve for almost two years—will he get a chance in F1, or take his talents elsewhere?
Then there’s Ugo Ugochukwu, a fast-rising star from New York. At 19, he recently won the FIA Formula 3 championship, after winning the Euro 4 title in 2023 and the Macau Grand Prix. Once a McLaren Junior, he’s set to move up to F2 next year with Campos. At 6ft 4in, he’d be the tallest driver on the F1 grid, taller than the current tallest, Ollie Bearman.
Following Ugochukwu is Sebastian Wheldon, son of the late IndyCar legend Dan Wheldon. Managed by the same group that runs Cadillac and Herta’s career, Sebastian had a strong debut in European racing last year, finishing third with six wins in Italian F4. He’ll move up to FIA Formula 3 with the Trident team next year.
Lastly, there’s a quick Floridian racing for Andretti in IndyCar. At 28, he’s won seven races and finished second in the championship last year. Since Andretti is also owned by Cadillac’s group TWG, he could be a surprise choice for Cadillac if they decide not to go with Herta.
All in all, there’s plenty of exciting American talent heading toward Formula 1—maybe the next great US F1 hero is just around the corner!