Why Colton Herta remains one point short of an F1 superlicence

Colton Herta looked to have cleared the superlicence threshold after completing more than 100 kilometres in first practice at the Mexican Grand Prix. But the FIA says the American is still one point short of the 40 required to apply for the credential needed to race in Formula 1.

The gap comes down to how Herta’s 2025 IndyCar result is counted. An initial assessment placed him sixth in the standings, which would have given him six points and taken his total above the limit. The FIA’s subsequent review instead classified him seventh, leaving his current tally at 39.

A standings correction left Herta on 39 points

The FIA can assess a driver’s results across the previous three calendar years, or across the previous two years plus the current season, using whichever route gives the higher total. In Herta’s case, the points calculation draws on the previous three years, alongside credit from his F1 practice outings this season.

Herta’s IndyCar results account for 35 points: one from 2023, 30 from finishing runner-up in 2024, and four for his seventh-place classification in 2025. His four F1 practice appearances add another four, bringing him to 39.

The confusion followed the 2025 standings, where Herta finished level on points with Felix Rosenqvist. Some listings showed Herta sixth, but the FIA’s final classification put him seventh. That adjustment is the difference between meeting the requirement and remaining one point below it.

Cadillac could give Herta another practice outing at the São Paulo Grand Prix or at the Las Vegas weekend. The team has indicated it intends to provide further sessions, so he is expected to meet the threshold. His planned Cadillac practice appearances have already drawn attention as part of his route toward a potential seat.

A first licence would give Cadillac more time

Herta would not necessarily have to secure a race seat immediately after qualifying for a superlicence. The licence itself lasts one year, but a driver who has held one can apply again for up to three years after it expires without re-earning the 40 points, provided they have completed at least 100 kilometres in an F1 practice session during that period.

That provision gives Cadillac a longer window to consider Herta, should the team decide to pursue him for 2027. Cadillac has yet to formally confirm its driver line-up for that season. Sergio Pérez’s contract was renegotiated and extended until at least 2029, while Valtteri Bottas has said he is not concerned about losing his seat. Herta’s potential Cadillac move remains unresolved; for now, the immediate requirement is another practice session.