Herta joins Cadillac F1 as a test driver for 2026

American driver Colton Herta has been confirmed as a test driver for the new Cadillac Formula 1 team, ahead of its debut season in the sport next year. This announcement comes a week after the team confirmed Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas as their starting drivers for the 2026 season. Herta already had a connection with Cadillac through his IndyCar team, Andretti, which is also run by the TWG Motorsports group.

I’m incredibly excited to join the Cadillac Formula 1 team as a test driver. This is a dream opportunity, and one I’ve been working towards for a long time.
Colton Herta

Herta also added that her goal is to contribute as much as possible to the Cadillac F1 team and help build a competitive team.

Colton Herta se unirá a Sergio Pérez y Valtteri Bottas en Cadillac el próximo año. James Black

The 25-year-old has been on the F1 radar for several years, following his role as a development driver with McLaren in 2022 and the interest of Red Bull’s junior team, AlphaTauri, in 2023. However, Herta’s lack of an FIA super license has always been a barrier to entering F1, and after finishing seventh in this year’s IndyCar championship, he is still five points short of the 40 needed to apply for it. The Racer outlet reported that Herta was in talks with Formula 2 teams to compete next year. Participating in F1 practice sessions could be another way for Herta to obtain a super license, as each appearance on a race weekend would earn him a point towards his total. However, Wednesday’s announcement did not reveal specific details of Cadillac’s plans for Herta next season.

We are delighted to welcome Colton Herta as a test driver. Colton is an exceptionally talented driver with demonstrated speed, race craft, and maturity, far exceeding his age.
Graeme Lowdon, Cadillac team director

Cadillac will become the eleventh F1 team next year when it joins the grid as a new entry. Initially powered by Ferrari engines with a chassis built in the UK, Cadillac’s long-term plans include establishing its F1 operation in a new factory in Fishers, Indiana, and building its own power units by 2029.