cadillac Test driver Puts Everything on One card
Formula 1’s popularity in the USA has surged, fueled by the netflix effect. With an upcoming Apple film starring Brad pitt poised to further elevate the sport,the next catalyst for growth is in place.However, sustained success in the American market requires more than spectacle – it demands a winning American driver.
History provides a parallel. Michael Schumacher‘s emergence as Germany’s first World Champion ignited a Formula 1 boom in his home country. Similarly, Fernando Alonso captivated Spain with two World Championship titles a decade later.
Herta Must Be Successful
Colton Herta, an IndyCar winner currently testing with Cadillac, represents the USA’s best opportunity in years to cultivate a home-grown F1 star. However, in a crowded US sports landscape, he must demonstrably stand out.
“He has to be successful,” stated former Haas team boss Günther Steiner to Motorsport.com. “It is not enough to just have an American in the field - Logan Sargeant is proof.Of course,Cadillac helps as a big brand,but it takes results. If an American races and wins championships, you’ve got the whole country behind you.”
Herta faces critically important challenges: he still needs to acquire the necesary Super License points, prove himself against Europe’s top young drivers in Formula 2, and rely on Cadillac achieving competitiveness in Formula 1.
the American is Motivated
Despite the risks, Herta is pursuing the opportunity. “It’s a huge risk,” he admitted in the podcast Off Track to IndyCar colleagues James Hinchcliffe and Alexander Rossi.”If I didn’t believe that I could, I would stay in the Indycar. But I believe in myself and that I am fast enough.”
He is supported by Dan Towriss, Managing Director of TWG Motorsports, the majority owner of both the Cadillac-Formula 1 project and Herta’s IndyCar team, Andretti Global. Towriss highlighted Herta’s dedication to integrating into the European racing system.
“He respects the system,learns the routes,the tires,and develops the basis. We have tests with older cars, training missions – the overall package to give Colton every chance.”
Great Risk
The risk remains ample. A strong year in Formula 2 could be expected,but a weak performance would severely damage Herta’s reputation,as noted in a report by Motorsport-total.com. Furthermore,the unpredictable nature of Formula 2 means success isn’t solely within his control.
Historically, drivers transitioning to Formula 1 from other series face an uphill battle, as most teams prioritize developing talent thru their own young driver academies, starting from karting and progressing through Formula 2.
Liberty Media should closely monitor Herta’s progress. The expansion into the USA is only partially sustainable without a successful American driver. With Herta and Cadillac – one of the largest US automakers – Formula 1 could gain the face it needs to truly break through in the American market.
Cadillac’s initial entry won’t be at the top level, but if the team becomes competitive within a few years, Herta could be ready.For both driver and manufacturer, the stakes are high, but the potential reward is immense.
