Schumacher says Herta does not deserve F1 chance, backs Fornaroli

Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher has dismissed Colton Herta’s chances of reaching Formula 1, saying the American has not earned an opportunity and backing Leonardo Fornaroli instead.

Herta secured his superlicence during first practice in Brazil after completing the required 100 kilometres. He is now a serious candidate for Cadillac’s second seat in 2027. Sergio Pérez recently extended his contract through 2029, while Valtteri Bottas is under pressure.

Schumacher said Herta had been very poor in Formula 2 and did not deserve an F1 opportunity. He called the idea pointless and said Herta would only be burning fuel, a line he attributed to Franz Tost.

Instead, Schumacher said Fornaroli was a much stronger candidate who deserved the chance. He pointed to Fornaroli’s Formula 2 and Formula 3 titles and called him a very strong driver. Schumacher also said he welcomed attempts to promote American drivers, as long as the choice made sense.