Colton Herta’s hopes of securing a seat with the upcoming Cadillac Formula 1 team appear to be fading as Alex Palou provides clarity on his own potential move to F1. The American team, preparing for their debut in the 2026 season, continues to evaluate several driver options, with recent reports suggesting that Herta’s chances are diminishing while Palou’s name remains strongly connected to the opportunity.
Andretti Autosport’s Colton Herta, 25, was initially considered a leading candidate for a spot with Cadillac but now faces increasing uncertainty. Meanwhile, Palou, the Spanish driver currently competing with Chip Ganassi Racing, has kept his name in the conversation owing to his strong performance at the start of the 2025 IndyCar season. In a recent interview with Racer, Palou addressed the rumors, providing insights into his stance on moving to the pinnacle of motorsport.
The Cadillac team is reportedly assessing a selection of drivers, including experienced Formula 1 pilots like Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas, alongside IndyCar talents such as Palou. However, a significant obstacle may lie in Palou’s contract with Chip Ganassi, which reportedly includes a large release clause, potentially complicating negotiations for any F1 transition. This contractual detail could impact Cadillac’s final decision on their driver lineup for 2026.
Palou’s recent victory at the Sonsio Grand Prix in Indianapolis has only amplified speculation around his future. Starting from pole position, he momentarily lost the lead early in the race but executed a brilliant tire strategy and showcased impressive speed on the road course to regain top position and secure the win. Sharing his excitement on Instagram, Palou posted photos from the event, marking his fourth win of the 2025 season.
As a three-time IndyCar Series champion, Palou is in prime form and currently leads the championship by a commanding 97 points over second-place Kyle Kirkwood. With his eyes now set on the prestigious Indy 500 — a race he has yet to win in six seasons — Palou remains focused on maintaining momentum. His consistent success has strengthened his reputation and kept the possibility of a move to Formula 1 alive in the minds of fans and industry insiders alike.
For Colton Herta, the dwindling likelihood of landing a Cadillac F1 seat brings a sobering reminder of the challenges involved in making the jump to the sport’s highest level. Though highly talented, his path appears increasingly narrow as Cadillac weighs its options carefully. The unfolding driver decisions will not only shape the team’s debut but also signal the future trajectories of both Herta and Palou in the competitive landscape of open-wheel racing.
