Despite being a highly talented young driver, Colton Herta, the 25-year-old American racing star, will not be eligible for an FIA Super License in 2026. Without meeting the minimum points requirement, Herta will be unable to make the transition from IndyCar to the pinnacle of motorsport, Formula 1, even if a team expresses interest in signing him.
Still Without an FIA “License”
Colton Herta’s dream of making his official Formula 1 debut has faced repeated setbacks. Since 2018, he has competed in the IndyCar Series, most recently driving for the prestigious Andretti Autosport team over the last four seasons. According to FIA regulations, any driver aiming to compete in a full Formula 1 season must first obtain an FIA Super License, which requires accumulating a minimum of 40 points from eligible racing series over the previous three years.
Unfortunately, Herta has yet to reach this key milestone. From 2021 onward, despite several strong performances in IndyCar, he has fallen short of the points threshold, meaning he remains ineligible to race in F1 for the 2026 season even if selected by a team for a potential seat.
Colton Herta’s Progress Over the Years
Colton Herta’s struggles to secure a Super License began at the end of the 2021 season, when he did not meet the required points criteria, preventing Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko from promoting him to the AlphaTauri Formula 1 team in 2022. Over the following seasons, Herta accumulated just one point in 2023, finishing 10th in the IndyCar standings, and thirty points the next year, when he finished as vice-champion. As of the penultimate race of the current IndyCar season, Herta has a total of 31 Super License points.
The Super License Gap
To reach the minimum of 40 points, Colton Herta still needs nine more points. Currently ranked sixth in the overall IndyCar standings, he trails Christian Lundgaard, who occupies fourth place—the lowest position that secures 40 points—by 74 points. Even if Herta were to achieve the maximum points available in the final race in Nashville, he would only reach 54 points for the season, leaving him mathematically unable to close the gap to fourth place for the 2026 FIA Super License eligibility.
Future Plans and F1 Prospects
Although Colton Herta’s immediate Formula 1 ambitions are delayed, he still has options to improve his position for future seasons. Maintaining sixth place in the IndyCar championship would increase his total Super License points to 37, bringing him closer to the threshold. With a strong season in 2026, he could finally secure the required points to make his F1 debut in 2027, assuming offers from interested teams materialize.
There have also been rumors that Herta might switch from IndyCar to Formula 2, a move that could accelerate his path to Formula 1 by providing additional Super License points. Herta addressed these speculations during the Milwaukee Mile weekend, categorically denying them: “I’ve heard those rumors too, and they are just rumors.”
For now, the American driver remains focused on his IndyCar career, continuing to demonstrate his speed, skill, and potential while keeping his eyes on the long-term goal of joining the Formula 1 grid.
Looking ahead, fans interested in following Colton Herta’s journey and potential future in F1 should keep an eye on his performances in the 2026 IndyCar season, as every race could bring him closer to achieving the elusive Super License and finally fulfilling his dream of racing at the pinnacle of motorsport.
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