Ralf Schumacher delivers ruthless verdict on F1 hopeful: 'He's just burning fuel'
Photo: Race Pictures
Tobia is a Formula 1 journalist at GPblog with experience at international circuits. Since 2022, he has covered Grands Prix across Europe, delivering reliable coverage and insights from the paddock.
Former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher has strongly criticised Colton Herta's prospects of joining the grid, arguing that the American has done little to justify a race seat despite recently securing his FIA Super Licence.
Herta has finally obtained the qualification needed to compete in Formula 1 after completing his fifth FP1 appearance of the season. The milestone represents another step towards a potential future with Cadillac, but Schumacher believes the American should not be considered for a full-time seat.
The German has questioned both Herta's performances in Formula 2 and the value of giving him further opportunities behind the wheel of an F1 car.
Schumacher dismisses Herta's Formula 1 chances
Speaking about the possibility of Herta competing in Formula 1, Schumacher made his position clear, arguing that the American's practice appearances would be better used to evaluate other drivers.
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"Only if Easter and Christmas fall on the same day. Seriously, it's pointless. He's just burning fuel, to borrow a phrase from Franz Tost. I don't even know what the point of it is. You might as well put someone else in the car, give some young drivers a chance."
Schumacher was equally critical of Herta's record in Formula 2, suggesting that his performances have not been strong enough to warrant consideration for a seat in the championship.
"He was really that bad in Formula 2. As far as I'm concerned, he hasn't earned it at all. I think it's great that they're trying to promote American drivers. But it has to make sense, and he has no place in Formula 1."
Photo: Race Pictures
Herta's route towards Formula 1 has been far from conventional. After competing in European junior categories, including British Formula 4 and Euroformula Open, the American returned to the United States and established himself in IndyCar, becoming the youngest race winner in the championship's history in 2019.
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He went on to claim nine victories and finished runner-up in the 2024 standings, but his lack of sufficient Super Licence points prevented an earlier move to F1, including a potential opportunity with Red Bull's sister team in 2023. Herta subsequently joined Cadillac as a test driver and made the unusual decision to return to junior single-seater racing with Hitech in Formula 2 in 2026.
Who would Schumacher prefer at Cadillac?
While Schumacher supports the idea of bringing American talent into Formula 1, he believes opportunities should be awarded on the basis of performances rather than nationality.
The former Williams and Toyota driver instead pointed towards Leonardo Fornaroli as an example of a young driver deserving of consideration.
The McLaren junior has won both the Formula 3 and Formula 2 championships, achievements which prompted Schumacher to describe him as "an incredibly strong driver".
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However, Schumacher also recognised the difficulties Cadillac could face in identifying the right candidate to partner Sergio Perez, describing the prospect of finding a suitable teammate as "very, very difficult".
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