"IndyCar level is not the same as the Formula 1 level" - Michael Schumacher’s brother’s harsh words for IndyCar talents amid Cadillac’s F1 project

The General Motors-backed Cadillac F1 team will enter F1 in 2026 as the sport's 11th team. Michael Schumacher's younger brother, Ralf Schumacher has been speaking about the brand's entry into F1 and their possible hiring of an IndyCar driver. Racing legend Mario Andretti, who will serve the team in an advisory capacity, recently made comments expressing interest in signing IndyCar driver Colton Herta.

Herta had previously applied for an AlphaTauri (now VCARB) F1 seat in 2022, but the FIA rejected it because he didn't meet the super license points requirement. This time around, the Andretti Global driver can make the cut if he finishes fifth or higher in the 2025 IndyCar standings.

Ralf Schumacher, meanwhile, told Sky Deutschland that he believes F1 is a considerable step up from IndyCar. Schumacher said (via motorsport.nextgen-auto.com),

"The IndyCar level is not the same as the Formula 1 level. We’ve seen that on numerous occasions when they test. But maybe there is some super-talent lurking over there that no one has found yet."

Schumacher also hinted at the challenges that await Cadillac, which could be reduced if they sign an experienced driver. He said,

"I assume that they will get a proven element in the car to give them a starting point. They’re starting from scratch with everything and that is extremely difficult."

Ralf Schumacher raced in F1 for ten years and won six races. He drove for Jordan, Williams, and Toyota. He currently serves as an F1 analyst for Sky Sports in Germany.

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Mario Andretti believes Colton Herta is ready to transition from IndyCar to F1

Colton Herta driving a Honda for Andretti Global during the Indycar Series Test - Day 1 - Source: Getty

Colton Herta is the youngest driver to win an IndyCar race, as he did so aged 18. The American driver has racked up nine race wins and 14 pole positions in six years in the series.

In July 2022, he tested for the McLaren F1 team, and then Team Principal Andreas Seidl deemed him fit for an F1 seat. Sky Sports presenter Ted Kravitz shared that opinion, declaring Herta ready and competent for F1.

However, the FIA didn't make an exemption for Herta, as he only had 32 out of the required 40 super license points. But all that is in the past. In Mario Andretti's opinion, he is the driver Cadillac needs. Andretti said (via motorsport.com),

"From the beginning of this project, the team always looked at the prospect of Colton Herta to be one of the drivers."

The retired four-time IndyCar champion also cited Herta's experience driving in the junior Formula Series. He said,

"As far as I know, this is something we had not discussed lately because there's time, that still remains a priority. I'm sure that's the direction he would like to go. He trained there. He raced alongside the likes of, just to say one, Lando Norris, who is obviously very prominent now with McLaren. And so, he is from that era, if you will, still, young and vibrant and ready to go."

Cadillac is expected by many to run Ferrari engines in its cars before the team has its own engine ready.