Herta avoids F2 rumors while there's speculation about Cadillac.

      "I don’t truly have any remarks regarding any of that."

      Colton Herta has chosen not to confirm or deny the growing speculation about a potential placement in Formula 2 next year to obtain the Super License points needed for a possible Cadillac Formula 1 seat by 2027. "To be honest, I don’t really have any comments on that," the American stated when approached by the Associated Press.

      When informed that such a response would only increase the speculation, he chuckled and replied, "It does, but it also makes people talk about me more. Maybe even enhances my value a bit."

      When asked for a third time, he completely avoided the topic. Likewise, Cadillac F1 CEO Dan Towriss refrained from giving a definitive answer. "That’s not what we’re reporting today," he said when pressed for clarification.

      The new F1 team, which is set to launch in 2026 with drivers Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez, is still weighing options for additional positions. Team principal Graeme Lowdon acknowledged: "We haven’t made any decisions yet. Our current focus is entirely on our two main drivers for now.

      "There are numerous positions behind the scenes that we are still developing - reserve drivers, test drivers, simulator drivers. We have an extensive simulator program. So, at some point, we will announce a few more drivers.

      "But we haven’t reached a decision yet."

      One potential candidate is Mick Schumacher, who is currently in sports cars but remains loosely connected to F1. However, former chief Bernie Ecclestone expresses skepticism. "Honestly, I don’t see what he could contribute to the team that would be beneficial," Ecclestone told sport.de. "He has a good name, but he hasn’t demonstrated what he is capable of. Why should he be expected to do that now?

      "Nonetheless, I believe he should still be given an opportunity."