Cadillac are reportedly assessing Ferrari Driver Academy prospect Rafael Câmara as a potential option for the 2027 Formula 1 season, with Colton Herta’s difficult Formula 2 campaign complicating the American driver’s route to a full-time race seat.
The new Formula 1 team have long viewed Herta as an important part of their future, particularly because of their ambition to place an American driver at the centre of the General Motors-backed project. However, his continuing Super Licence difficulties and lack of standout results in Formula 2 have reportedly prompted Cadillac to examine alternative candidates.
Cadillac consider Rafael Câmara as Colton Herta struggles in Formula 2
According to a report from Motorsport Spain, there are increasing indications that at least one Cadillac seat could become available for 2027. Although the team’s driver planning remains unresolved, its interest is said to be focused on Câmara as Herta attempts to prove that he is ready for Formula 1.
Colton Herta left IndyCar to compete for Hitech Grand Prix in the 2026 FIA Formula 2 Championship, accepting a significant career change in pursuit of the FIA Super Licence points required for a permanent F1 drive. Despite his extensive experience in American single-seater racing, the transition to European circuits and Formula 2 machinery has been challenging.
Across the first ten starts of his rookie campaign, the 26-year-old failed to record a victory or podium finish and remained well below the championship positions needed to strengthen his Super Licence prospects. The results have consequently increased uncertainty surrounding Cadillac’s long-term plan for the American.
Herta has received substantial backing from Cadillac and General Motors, but his eligibility remains dependent on meeting the FIA’s licensing criteria. Without the necessary points, the team would be unable to place him in a full-time Formula 1 race seat regardless of its commitment to developing an American driver.
Why Rafael Câmara has emerged as a leading Cadillac option
While Herta has struggled to adapt, Rafael Câmara has quickly established himself as one of the leading young drivers in Formula 2. The Brazilian entered the championship with Invicta Racing after dominating the 2025 Formula 3 season, securing the title for Trident with one round still remaining.
The 21-year-old’s progress has continued during his rookie F2 campaign. Across 16 starts, Câmara has claimed two Feature Race victories, four pole positions and four podium finishes, placing him among the most closely watched prospects on the junior single-seater ladder.
His results have strengthened the reputation he built during his Formula 3 title season and underlined why Ferrari regard him as a major part of their development programme. Câmara’s progression had already been clear when the Scuderia confirmed that the Ferrari junior would graduate to Formula 2 with Invicta Racing.
The Brazilian has also taken another important step towards Formula 1 by completing his first outing in grand prix machinery. Ferrari handed Câmara his maiden F1 opportunity during a private test at the Hungaroring, allowing the Academy driver to gain experience in a previous-generation car.
Ferrari connection could add to Câmara’s appeal
Câmara’s performances are not the only reason he could represent an attractive option for Cadillac. The American team are currently using Ferrari power units while General Motors develops an engine for a later stage of the project.
That technical partnership gives Câmara’s position within the Ferrari Driver Academy additional strategic relevance. Offering a race seat to one of Maranello’s leading young drivers could align the interests of Cadillac and its power-unit supplier while giving the Brazilian a route into Formula 1 that may not immediately be available with Ferrari.
Customer teams have regularly provided opportunities for academy drivers linked to their engine manufacturers. Such an arrangement can benefit both parties, with the junior gaining Formula 1 experience while the supplier retains a close connection to the driver’s development.
Cadillac’s relationship with Maranello is already central to its first seasons in Formula 1. The new team began its programme with a Ferrari engine supply, making the performance and reliability of the partnership an important part of its attempt to become competitive. Early running also provided Ferrari with additional information through its customer relationship with Cadillac.
Colton Herta faces decisive second half of F2 season
No final decision over Cadillac’s 2027 driver line-up has been confirmed, and Herta still has time to improve his Formula 2 results. A strong recovery during the closing rounds could strengthen both his Super Licence position and the team’s confidence in his ability to make the step into Formula 1.
However, Câmara’s combination of results, age and Ferrari backing has made him an increasingly credible alternative. His rise also forms part of a wider discussion over the next generation of Maranello-supported drivers, with the Scuderia continuing to evaluate how talents like Câmara and Oliver Bearman could fit into Ferrari’s long-term Formula 1 plans.
If Herta cannot produce a significant improvement and secure the necessary Super Licence points, Cadillac may have to choose between maintaining its ambition of promoting an American driver and pursuing a prospect whose recent results have made him one of Formula 2’s most convincing performers.
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