Bottas and Perez can help Cadillac driver secure an F1 super licence through the back door

Herta would like to become a full-time Formula 1 driver, but he currently lacks a super license. To be eligible for one, a driver must collect at least 40 points over the previous three seasons based on their results in other racing series. At the moment, Herta has only 35.

After the current season, one of his points will expire, meaning he needs to earn six more to qualify for a super license. Achieving that through Formula 2, the series in which he currently competes, will be difficult. The American would need to finish in the top eight, but he is currently 16th in the standings.

There does appear to be an alternative route for Herta to secure a super license. By taking part in Formula 1 free practice sessions, he can earn one point per session, provided he completes at least 100 kilometers and does not receive any penalty points.

Many assume that a maximum of four points can be earned in a single season. That is not the case. A driver can earn up to 10 points per season by participating in 10 Formula 1 free practice sessions.

It has already been decided that Herta will take part in at least four free practice sessions, having already driven in one on Friday at the Hungaroring. In that case, he would still finish the year two points short of qualifying for a super license.

It is crucial for Herta to reach 40 points by 2026 because 30 of his points will then expire, making the challenge of obtaining a super license even more difficult for the American in 2027.

Cadillac can help its driver by granting him two additional free practice sessions. That is two more than teams are required to give a rookie with no more than two Grands Prix to their name each season. Should the American outfit choose this option, full-time drivers Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez would therefore have to sit out two additional practice sessions.

GPblog asked Herta earlier in the weekend about collecting super license points. “To be honest, I don't know where I'm at," he said. “I don't worry about it. I just kind of let everybody else do it and figure out and tell me what I need to do."

Bottas and Perez both have contracts with the American outfit for next season, so there does not appear to be an open seat for Herta in 2027 anyway. A second year of learning in Formula 2 therefore seems likely. “I have not even begun to thought about it to be honest. I think I need to talk with the bosses and see what's going on."

He did say about another year in Formula 2: “Yes, I would like that.”

GPblog asked Cadillac for a response, but the team has decided to decline comment.