A recent development in the motorsports world has stirred debate around the Kyle Kirkwood F1 omission, as Will Power’s manager has publicly questioned why Kirkwood was never considered for a Formula 1 seat with Andretti Global’s sister team. This conversation follows the announcement that two-time IndyCar champion Will Power will join Andretti Global in 2026, replacing Colton Herta, who is set to become a Cadillac F1 test driver.
Since the FIA approved Cadillac’s entrance into Formula 1 in 2026, Colton Herta had been the leading candidate to fill a driver role, conditional on securing enough points for an FIA Super Licence. However, Herta’s performance in the 2025 IndyCar season fell short of expectations, finishing seventh in the overall standings, which is below the threshold required to qualify for an F1 licence.
Questions Raised Over Kirkwood’s Exclusion From Cadillac’s F1 Plans
Oriol Servià, Will Power’s manager and U.S. representative of A14 Management—which is co-founded by Fernando Alonso—expressed puzzlement at why Kyle Kirkwood was not considered for the Cadillac role. Kirkwood had achieved a career-best run during the first half of the season with three wins, marking him as a top American talent. In a recent discussion on the RACER YouTube channel, Servià said:
“If I can (ask), as an outsider, why was never Kirkwood in contention for the Cadillac seat? Isn’t he also American and winning races? I don’t know why he was never part of the equation? I will ask (Andretti owner Dan Towriss) one day, but I just don’t know why… Kyle doesn’t like Formula 1 or was never tempted? I know originally it was going to be Colton, because for three, four years, it’s been like in the conversation, but…” – Oriol Servià, Will Power’s Manager
Servià elaborated on his perspective by highlighting the timing of Kirkwood’s successes and the anticipated F1 moves, indicating his expectation that Kirkwood would be the natural successor if Herta’s performance faltered. He added:
“I just remember thinking in the middle of the season when Kyle was winning races, and I was obviously thinking of if Colton or Kyle move to F1, then I have a seat for Will (Power) there. When he (Herta) started to look bad, he was having a bad season, and Kyle is winning, I’m like, ‘It’s okay, they’ll think of Kyle to go there.’ And never once I heard anyone, or even you guys (the media), writing about it. So, I don’t know if I’m missing something.” – Oriol Servià, Will Power’s Manager
Despite these expectations, the fact remains that neither Kirkwood nor Herta had accumulated the required 40 FIA Super Licence points by the end of the 2025 IndyCar season. The license points are essential for driving in Formula 1. The only driver from IndyCar who achieved this feat was Alex Palou, who won the 2025 championship. Therefore, Kirkwood’s path to F1 was contingent on securing the championship—something he did not accomplish.
When asked earlier this season about his potential involvement with Cadillac’s F1 team, Kyle Kirkwood, now 26 years old, stated that he was not part of any discussions and was fully concentrating on his IndyCar career rather than Formula 1 aspirations.
Will Power’s Transition and Relationship with New Andretti Global Teammates
Looking ahead to the 2026 IndyCar season, Will Power’s move to Andretti Global marks a significant change, ending his 17-year stint in the No. 12 Team Penske Chevy. For the first time in five years, he will also have different teammates, as Kyle Kirkwood and Marcus Ericsson will join him, driving the No. 27 and No. 28 Hondas, respectively.
Power expressed admiration and respect for his future teammates, emphasizing the competitive history they share and his enthusiasm for this new chapter in his career. He stated:
“I have tremendous respect for Kyle [Kirkwood] and Marcus [Ericsson]. I’ve had some great battles racing against them, and I think we’re going to make a great combination as teammates,” Will Power said. “This is a whole new chapter for me. I have to say that sometimes a change of scenery and a fresh start is very energizing. I can’t wait.” – Will Power, IndyCar Driver
Kirkwood and Ericsson have reciprocated these positive sentiments, indicating excitement about working alongside a driver with Power’s experience and reputation. While Power has secured a multi-year deal with Andretti Global, both Kirkwood and Ericsson will be in the final year of their existing contracts during the 2026 season.
Exploring the Impact of the Kyle Kirkwood F1 Omission
The decision to overlook Kyle Kirkwood for the Cadillac F1 program despite his impressive mid-season IndyCar form raises questions about driver selection criteria beyond just race results. The licensing requirements and the longstanding commitment to Herta, as confirmed by team owner Dan Towriss, likely influenced the team’s approach. Servià’s public remarks shed light on the complexities behind such moves and highlight the challenges young drivers face when trying to transition to Formula 1 from other series.
For Kirkwood, the focus remains firmly on IndyCar, where he continues to develop his career. For Andretti Global and Cadillac’s budding Formula 1 project, the priority is securing drivers who fulfill all FIA criteria and align with their long-term plans. The 2026 season will be a pivotal year, both for Will Power’s reinvention with new teammates and for Cadillac’s entrance into F1. Observers and fans alike will be watching closely to see how these decisions play out on and off the track.
