IndyCar superstar considered to be the front runner pick for the newest F1 team on the grid according to Mario Andretti

Racing legend Mario Andretti has backed Andretti Global driver Colton Herta as the frontrunner for General Motorsports' Formula 1 debut in 2026. Andretti is set to serve as a member of the Board of Directors for GM.

After a nearly two-year saga, General Motorsports is finally set to become Formula 1's 11th team in 2026. Personnel involved in GM's Formula 1 project confirmed with the announcement include Laura Sturland, Chris Green, Jon Tomlinson, and former F1 World Champion Andretti.

While these names have been confirmed, the biggest question that remains unanswered concerns the team's drivers' lineup. While various names have been thrown around so far, including those of former Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas, Red Bull driver Sergio Perez, and the fan-favorite Daniel Ricciardo, speculations continue to run rampant amid a lack of clarity.

In the middle of speculation, Mario Andretti has said that Colton Herta is the frontrunner for one of the coveted seats (via Motorsport):

"From the beginning of this project, the team always looked at the prospect of Colton Herta to be one of the drivers. As far as I know, this is something we had not discussed lately because there's time, that still remains a priority."

"I'm sure that's the direction he would like to go. He trained there. He raced alongside the likes of, just to say one, Lando Norris, who is obviously very prominent now with McLaren. And so, he is from that era, if you will, still young and vibrant and ready to go," Mario Andretti added.

The American automobile manufacturer under the brand of its own sub-division Cadillac will enter F1 as a constructor in 2026 as the "Cadillac Formula 1 Team."

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What does Mario Andretti think of Colton Herta's Super Licence points situation?

Colton Herta, who drives for Andretti Global in the NTT IndyCar Series, has already won nine races so far in his open-wheel career. The 24-year-old was linked to a move to Red Bull in 2022. However, the FIA Super Licence points system thwarted those plans.

Herta’s 2024 campaign has brought him within striking distance, with 32 points currently to his name. A top-four finish in the 2025 IndyCar season would secure the remaining points to qualify. Mario Andretti is optimistic about this challenge, calling it “doable” (via Motorsport):

"I think the point system obviously, we need to be aware of what the demands are, but I think that's achievable even with him, obviously, having some better luck in IndyCar. I'm sure if he'd have won the championship this year, he would've been home free in that respect. Nevertheless, I don't think that's a thing of real concern. Honestly, I think that it's close enough that it's doable."

In addition to his nine IndyCar wins, Herta is also the youngest driver to win an IndyCar race. It remains to be seen whether the 24-year-old shifts to F1 as Andretti suggested.