Colton Herta could finally get his big F1 break (Image: Getty)
Fridays are typically quiet days at Grand Prix weekends, but last Friday in Las Vegas, it brought some bombshell news – talks regarding the F1 entry are progressing rapidly, and an agreement to join the grid in 2026 is reportedly very close.
The bid for an F1 team was initially headed by IndyCar icon Michael Andretti, but he stepped back from the limelight. Now, owner Dan Towriss is heading the project with the hope of getting a General Motors-branded outfit onto the grid in 2026, with bespoke, Cadillac-badged power units as early as 2028.
If the General Motors entry is accepted as expected, this will create two exciting new opportunities for drivers to join the grid. Who the team will choose, however, is a tough prediction to make.
What is almost certain is that General Motors will want an American driver behind the wheel of at least one of their cars. Between Scott Speed, Alexander Rossi and , recent F1 exports from one of global motorsport’s biggest talent factories have flattered to deceive.
However, that isn’t to say that there isn’t immense talent within the American motorsport ranks. The headline candidates both drive for Andretti in IndyCar. Colton Herta, still frustrated after missing out on an AlphaTauri drive in 2023, is the most likely star for a future General Motors team.
The 24-year-old is a nine-time IndyCar race winner and finished second in the standings next year, making him the clear frontrunner to fly the flag for GM. Kyle Kirkwood, however, will also be in the conversation.
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General Motors could also be a new home for Valtteri Bottas (Image: Getty)
Like Herta, he drives for the Chevrolet-powered Andretti team, winning two races in his first season with them in 2023 before finishing a career-best seventh in the standings last year. He won a remarkable 31 out of 50 races during his rapid ascent through the IndyCar feeder series ladder, marking him out as one of the nation’s biggest open-wheel talents.
Two other American talents could also be considered. While unlikely, Sargeant’s recent experience could make him a candidate, particularly if he finds – and impresses with – an IndyCar ride in 2025. Jak Crawford has also shown promise in Formula Two, although his ties to Aston Martin could complicate a deal.
Alongside them would ideally sit an experienced, known quantity. Valtteri Bottas is facing a year on the sidelines in 2025 with the aim of returning to the grid in 2026 and would be the perfect option for General Motors, given his record as a 10-time Grand Prix winner.
Alternatively, may be an intriguing prospect given his upturn in form since his exit from Haas was announced. General Motors could also consider Mick Schumacher, who continues to fight for a way back onto the grid after being overlooked by Williams, Alpine and Sauber.