How Herta compared to Perez in latest 2027 audition

Key Points:

• Colton Herta remains one point short of the 40-point Formula 1 superlicence requirement due to an FIA calculation error, despite completing the mandated 100km in his fifth FP1 session in Mexico. Cadillac has supported him with additional FP1 outings to help him earn the final superlicence point and is considering him as a replacement for Valtteri Bottas in 2027.
• In his FP1 session, Herta showed solid progress but was approximately one second slower than teammate Sergio Perez, struggling particularly in low-speed corners and adapting from his aggressive IndyCar driving style to the smoother precision required in F1.
• Herta expressed hope and determination to secure a 2027 F1 race seat with Cadillac, emphasizing the importance of obtaining his superlicence to fully push his performance, while Cadillac remains impressed with his development compared to other contenders like Bottas, Yuki Tsunoda, and Frederik Vesti.
• Other rookies also made notable impressions: Frederik Vesti narrowly missed the top times and openly targeted the Cadillac seat, while Red Bull junior Nikola Tsolov delivered a strong debut despite physical discomfort from his tight seat, and Freddie Slater faced a disrupted session but managed a respectable lap time amid technical issues.