The confirmation follows an extensive application process that concluded recently. To secure their position, LN4 Fusion acquired the assets of the former AIX racing squad, ensuring they have the necessary infrastructure to compete at the second tier of single-seater racing.

The team will join ten incumbent organisations that have retained their spots on the grid. These teams have been recognised for their ongoing commitment to developing young talent and providing a clear pathway for drivers aspiring to reach Formula 1.

F2 CEO Bruno Michel expressed his satisfaction with the selection, noting the high level of interest from global organisations. He highlighted the strength and appeal of the championship, which remains a vital training ground for future F1 stars.

Michel stated, "We have retained ten of our current teams, who have consistently demonstrated their commitment to providing the best possible environment for young drivers. I am also pleased to welcome LN4 Fusion to the grid."

He added that the new team brings considerable expertise to the competition. He expressed confidence that the organisation would make a valuable contribution to the championship as it enters this new three-year phase.

The operational structure of LN4 Fusion combines British and European expertise. Fusion karting chief Dan Hazlewood will lead the team's British operations, while the European activities will be managed by experienced personnel with deep ties to the sport.

Former Prema team boss Rene Rosin has joined the project as a consultant and team principal. Additionally, former Prema technical chief Guillaume Capietto has been appointed as the team’s racing director to oversee on-track performance.

LN4 CEO Dan Richards described the selection as a significant milestone for the organisation. He noted that the team’s ambition, which was first outlined during its launch in September, has always focused on creating a sustainable development pathway.

Richards said, "To have secured a place in the championship so soon after launching LN4 Fusion is a fantastic achievement. It is a testament to the hard work of everyone involved in bringing this project together."

The CEO acknowledged the immense challenge of competing in Formula 2, which is widely considered the final and most demanding stage of preparation for Formula 1. He emphasised that the team is now focused on building strong foundations.

Richards continued, "Our focus is now firmly on building the right foundations, surrounding ourselves with exceptional people and giving our drivers and team the best possible opportunity to compete at the highest level."

The team expressed gratitude to the FIA and the Formula 2 organisation for their confidence in the project. The management team is now preparing for the transition into the series ahead of the 2027 season opener.

LN4 Fusion will join a competitive field alongside established teams such as Prema Racing, ART Grand Prix, and Hitech. The inclusion of the new team marks a notable expansion of the grid's operational diversity.

The 2027 season will see the eleven teams compete across a global calendar, with the championship continuing to serve as the primary feeder series for the FIA Formula 1 World Championship.

The session took place at the same venue where Herta secured his first-ever IndyCar win in 2019. The 26-year-old, who currently balances a challenging Formula 2 campaign with his duties as a Cadillac test driver, described the experience as super special.

Driving in front of a home crowd, Herta completed 21 laps in the MAC-26. He focused primarily on aerodynamic development work, which the team hopes will provide valuable data for the direction of their 2027 car programme.

Herta's appearance in Austin comes as he continues his pursuit of the necessary superlicence points required to compete in Formula 1. While his performance in the junior category has been difficult this season, the FP1 session provided a vital opportunity.

Reflecting on his historic 2019 victory at the Texas circuit, Herta recalled the success he achieved with the Harding Steinbrenner Racing team. At just 18 years and 359 days old, he became the youngest winner in IndyCar history.

During Friday's session, Herta noted the technical differences between the IndyCar machinery he is accustomed to and the current Cadillac F1 car. He highlighted that while the braking markers and entry speeds differ significantly, the fundamental approach remains consistent.

The driver spent a significant portion of his track time conducting specific aerodynamic experiments for the team. Despite the technical nature of his programme, Herta expressed satisfaction with how the session unfolded, noting that all planned objectives were met.

Herta is currently languishing in 19th place in the Formula 2 standings with 26 points. His last points haul with Hitech dates back to the Belgian round before the summer break, leaving the Californian with questions about his current form.

Cadillac has been evaluating its driver options for the 2027 season, with Herta remaining a prominent candidate for a potential seat. The team, led by principal Marcin Budkowski, has maintained a focus on long-term development for the outfit.

General Motors, the parent company behind the Cadillac F1 entry, is also making strides in its infrastructure. The team is set to inaugurate its new power unit manufacturing facility before the end of the year, marking a significant milestone.

Mark Reuss of General Motors recently thanked current drivers Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas for their patience. He acknowledged that the team's debut season has been without points and noted that the construction process is logarithmic, not linear.

Speculation continues to surround the future of Valtteri Bottas at Cadillac. While the team looks to bring on an American driver, reports suggest that Esteban Ocon is also eyeing a seat at the American team for the 2027 season.

Team principal Marcin Budkowski has remained tight-lipped regarding potential signings for 2027. During the FIA team principals' press conference, he revealed that the American outfit has attracted interest from numerous drivers and their representatives regarding future vacancies.

As the 2026 season progresses, Cadillac continues to work through its debut year. Team management has emphasised that the construction process for the new outfit is a long-term project, with the focus currently placed on gathering data and refining performance.

For Herta, the focus now shifts back to the remainder of his racing commitments. Despite the frustrations of his current F2 season, the opportunity to contribute to the Cadillac F1 project remains a key priority for his career.

The Circuit of the Americas is hosting the United States Grand Prix without a Sprint weekend for the first time since 2022. This has allowed teams more time to focus on traditional practice sessions and car setup throughout the weekend.

Other storylines dominate the paddock in Austin, including Kimi Antonelli's potential to clinch the drivers' championship for Mercedes. The young Italian has been the subject of much discussion, including light-hearted advice from seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton.

Drivers have expressed concerns regarding the bumpy nature of the track surface at COTA. Several competitors have called for track changes to the physically demanding circuit, citing safety and the impact on the cars during high-speed sections.

Meanwhile, other young talents like Isack Hadjar are gaining experience in the F1 paddock. Hadjar has been competing with established stars like Hamilton, reflecting the ongoing transition of talent within the sport as the 2026 season nears its conclusion.

As the weekend continues, all eyes remain on the development of the Cadillac project. With the engine factory opening soon and driver decisions pending, the team is positioning itself for a more competitive showing in the coming years.