Cadillac's Formula 1 plans are taking shape, and the team has already identified which driver Colton Herta would replace if he secures a seat in 2027. The American rising star, currently making the leap from IndyCar to Formula 2 this season, is on a clear mission to earn his FIA superlicense and land a spot on the F1 grid.

Herta's move to F2 wasn't taken lightly. According to team insiders, Cadillac's leadership made it clear to Herta: if he passed up this chance to race in F2 this year, he shouldn't bring up Formula 1 again. Now, with his sights set on 2027, Herta is pushing hard for a full-time drive.

The potential target? Veteran driver Valtteri Bottas. At 36, both Bottas and Sergio Perez are facing the twilight of their careers, and Cadillac appears to be grooming Herta as a long-term replacement through his F2 program in 2026. Herta is also set to run FP1 in Barcelona, giving him valuable mileage and experience as he builds toward a race seat.

According to journalist Julianne Cerasoli, Perez's contract situation adds another layer to the puzzle. She notes that Perez has a "90% chance" of securing a better deal elsewhere, which could leave Bottas as the most likely candidate to step aside if Cadillac decides to bring Herta into Formula One.

Discussing the situation, Cerasoli explained: "Ferrari has two teams on the grid: one is Haas, the other is Cadillac. It turns out that Cadillac has a certain Colton Herta who's already been talking about being a driver next year as a regular driver." She added that as a new team, Cadillac won't swap two drivers for two inexperienced ones, making each move critical for understanding the team's direction.

With Herta's talent and Cadillac's ambition, the 2027 grid could see a fresh American face—and a veteran making way for the next generation.