The countdown to the 2026 Formula 1 season is already buzzing with excitement, and at the center of the storm is Colton Herta—the Californian phenom who could finally bring the stars and stripes to the forefront of F1. With Cadillac’s landmark entry into the sport, Herta has emerged as the leading contender to take the American brand to the pinnacle of motorsport, and he’s got the backing of a world champion to boot.
Jenson Button, the 2009 F1 World Champion, has thrown his full support behind Herta, calling him a natural talent who’s ready to make waves on the global stage. “He is extremely quick. Everything he gets into, he’s quick,” Button said during his Sky Sports F1 duties. “He just gets in, and he’s on it.”
The Stars Align: Herta and Cadillac’s 2026 Vision
Cadillac’s entry into Formula 1 marks a seismic moment for the sport, with the iconic American brand teaming up with General Motors and TWG Global under Dan Towriss’ leadership. The rebranded Andretti effort promises to reshape F1’s relationship with the U.S., and having Herta in the driver’s seat seems like the perfect piece to complete the puzzle.
Herta, who has dazzled in IndyCar, finished second in the 2024 Drivers’ Championship, cementing his reputation as one of America’s brightest racing talents. The 24-year-old’s blistering pace, combined with his adaptability, makes him a prime candidate to thrive in the high-pressure world of Formula 1.
The Super License Saga: So Close Yet So Far
The only barrier standing between Herta and his F1 dream? One elusive Super License point. Despite his stellar performances in IndyCar, Herta currently sits at 39 points—just shy of the required 40. This shortfall previously derailed his potential move to AlphaTauri in 2023 when the FIA denied a special dispensation request from Red Bull.
However, with Cadillac’s entry, the stakes have changed. The prospect of an American team fielding an American driver for the first time since Scott Speed in 2007 adds immense political and commercial weight to Herta’s case. Many believe the FIA may reconsider its stance, especially given the soaring popularity of F1 in the U.S.
Jenson Button: Why Herta Is the Real Deal
Button’s endorsement isn’t just lip service. The Briton raced alongside Herta at the Daytona 24 Hours in January 2024 and was blown away by his raw speed and composure. “In IndyCar, he’s extremely quick,” Button said. “He will be quick [in F1] from the word go. There is obviously a lot of learning—it’s very different to IndyCar—but he’s got the mindset.”
Herta’s adaptability will be critical as he transitions from the unique challenges of IndyCar to the intricacies of F1, where tire management, aerodynamics, and team politics take center stage. But Button is confident: “He’s got what it takes.”
Why America Needs Herta in F1
Formula 1’s explosion in the United States has been nothing short of phenomenal. With three races on the calendar—Miami, Austin, and Las Vegas—the U.S. is now a cornerstone of F1’s global strategy. Yet, despite the hype, the absence of a competitive American driver has been glaring.
Button believes Herta’s arrival could be the spark that F1 needs to solidify its foothold Stateside. “The sport has grown massively in the States and that’s great for the sport,” Button said. “But it’s at the point where we need a competitive American driver or a competitive American OEM.”
Enter Cadillac. With plans to develop its own power unit by 2028, the brand is positioning itself as a true American contender in F1. In the interim, Cadillac will race as a Ferrari power unit customer for 2026 and 2027, but the long-term vision is clear: to establish itself as a bona fide American powerhouse in Formula 1.
What This Means for Formula 1
Cadillac’s entry, coupled with Herta’s potential debut, represents a watershed moment for F1’s expansion into the U.S. market. The combination of an American team and an American driver could create a surge of interest, bringing new fans, sponsors, and investments into the sport.
“The teams will take a bit of a pop, which they won’t like,” Button admitted, referencing the potential dilution of prize money with new entrants. “But in the long term, this is great for the sport.”
The Road to 2026
As the clock ticks down to 2026, all eyes are on Colton Herta. With Button’s vote of confidence, Cadillac’s ambitious plans, and a growing hunger for American representation in F1, the stars seem to be aligning for Herta’s grand debut.
For fans, it’s more than just another driver on the grid—it’s a chance to see a homegrown talent take on the world and redefine America’s role in Formula 1. The only question now: can Herta grab that final Super License point and make history? The answer could mark the beginning of a new era in motorsport.