Colton Herta F1 superlicence confusion explained as driver remains one point short
The American IndyCar driver has 39 superlicence points after the FIA confirmed his seventh-place finish in the 2025 IndyCar standings.
Colton Herta appeared to reach 40 superlicence points after an F1 practice session at the Mexico Grand Prix, but the FIA says he still has 39. Autosport reported that he needs one more practice session to qualify.
Key takeaways
- Herta has 39 superlicence points according to the FIA
- He needs 40 points to apply for an F1 superlicence
- He earned four points from F1 free practice appearances
- He finished seventh in the 2025 IndyCar standings, worth four points
- Cadillac plans to give him more free practice outings
Colton Herta remains one superlicence point short of qualifying for a Formula 1 seat, Autosport reported. The American driver appeared to reach 40 points after completing more than 100 kilometres in first free practice at the Mexico Grand Prix. The FIA has since confirmed he has 39 points and does not yet qualify.
What is a superlicence and how many points are needed?
A driver must accumulate at least 40 points to apply for a superlicence, according to the FIA's International Sporting Code. The code states the FIA will consider points accumulated either over the previous three calendar years or over the previous two calendar years plus the current season, whichever is higher. Autosport and Motorsport.com both carried this explanation of the rules.
Where do Herta's points come from?
Autosport reported that Herta has 35 points from IndyCar and four from F1 free practice appearances. One IndyCar point dates to 2023, 30 come from 2024 when he finished runner-up, and the rest relate to 2025. Motorsport.com reported the same breakdown.
Why was there confusion over his 2025 IndyCar position?
Autosport reported that Herta was initially listed sixth in the 2025 IndyCar standings during a July investigation, which would have given him six points and a total of 41. Motorsport.com reported the same initial finding. The FIA later told both outlets that Herta is definitively classified seventh, worth four points, leaving him on 39.
What happens next?
Autosport said Herta needs one more F1 practice session to meet the requirements. Cadillac could use the Sao Paulo Grand Prix or the Las Vegas weekend for the outing. Motorsport.com reported that Cadillac intends to give its protege more free practice sessions, meaning he will meet the requirements in any case, but not yet in Mexico.
Background on Colton Herta
Wikipedia background identifies Bryan Herta as Colton Herta's father and former strategist. Bryan Herta runs Bryan Herta Autosport in the NTT IndyCar Series and is strategist for the No. 27 for Andretti Autosport. His team won the 2011 Indianapolis 500 with Dan Wheldon and the 2016 Indianapolis 500 with Alexander Rossi.
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